One of America’s leading universities has honoured an Epsom teacher who inspired his pupil to cross the Atlantic and study there.

Charles Conway, a housemaster at Epsom College, in College Road, Epsom, received a special honour from Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California, after being nominated by David Boote, who has just taken up a place there on a golf scholarship.

The recognition, given under the university's teacher tribute initiative, aims to acknowledge former teachers and mentors of incoming undergraduates, who have played a significant role in a student's intellectual, academic, social or personal development.

Mr Boote, last year's captain of golf, left the college in July, and is the first European student in more than 10 years to be awarded a golf scholarship to Stanford University.

The 19-year-old said: "Mr Conway was my housemaster in Robinson house, Epsom College, for five years and was a major help in enabling me to fulfil my academic studies alongside an international-level golf schedule.

"He was always available as my school counsellor and gave me a lot of responsibility as a house prefect.

"I will always be grateful to him for the additional time he was able to give to me.

"I really enjoyed my time at Epsom College and, in particular, Robinson House.  Thank you Sir."

Mr Conway was delighted to be presented with a framed certificate from Stanford University by college headmaster Jay Piggot.

He said: "I was very honoured and touched to have received this certificate and the kind words from David.

"Of course, all those who taught him at GCSE and A level, over the last three years in particular, take great pride in David's achievements as all their efforts helped him fulfil his academic goals alongside his golf.

"In the final analysis, though, we all take our hats off to David and wish him well in the next chapter."