Boys at Bolton School have been encouraged to embrace being the "network generation" in a speech by a former pupil at the annual prizegiving ceremony.

Barry Nightingale, a successful entrepreneur who has worked with Betfred, EasyGroup and We Buy Any Car, inspired those listening with tales of his illustrious career.

He said: "You are the network generation."

Mr Nightingale harked back to his own experiences at Bolton School, recounting how the institution had given him confidence and belief.

Mr Nightingale, from the Class of 1979, urged pupils to build their networks in a modern and accessible world.

He added: "It took me 43 years to develop my network."

He hinted at the benefits of modern technology, recommending LinkedIn as a platform to establish professional connections while cautioning against overshares on other social platforms.

One of Mr Nightingale's key messages for the young audience was to seize any mentoring opportunities.

A Bolton School spokesperson said: "Barry spoke about how his three sisters and brother had all passed through the school and, like him, had all benefited from the experience.

"Subsequently, he had sent his own three daughters and son to his alma mater.

"He went on to offer further words of wisdom, including how you react to and manage failure is more important than how you manage success and that if you fail, then fail fast and move on and go again."

He urged the pupils saying "You are the future," elaborating that his own mantra in life includes being prepared, bold, and happy.

The evening's proceedings were interspersed with musical numbers, and the Prizegiving event ended with a rendition of Jerusalem.

Distinguished guests, including Mr Nightingale, awarded the pupils with their prizes.