RACING driver Lando Norris and England footballer Tyrone Mings have received awards from Millfield School at its inaugural Brilliance Dinner.

Game of Thrones actor Rose Leslie and professor of experimental medicine Peter Openshaw CBE also received the school's Old Millfieldian of the Year 2022 award.

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster, ex-tennis player, and Old Millfieldian Andrew Castle on Friday, May 27.

A spokesperson for Millfield School said: “The awards were presented at Millfield’s first-ever Brilliance Dinner, which also celebrated the plethora of sports achievements within the Millfield community across the course of this academic year.

“The dinner was the culmination of the school’s annual Giving Day, during which students, parents and staff, past and present, take part in activities and challenges across both the Prep and Senior campuses to raise money for the Discover Brilliance Fund, which provides life changing bursaries for students who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend Millfield.”

McLaren Formula 1 driver Norris, 22, was brought up in Glastonbury and attended Millfield for nine years. 

He joined the Millfield Prep School in year two and left in year 10. 

Somerset County Gazette: John, grandfather of Glastonbury-raised F1 driver Lando Norris, collected the award on his behalf. Picture: Millfield SchoolJohn, grandfather of Glastonbury-raised F1 driver Lando Norris, collected the award on his behalf. Picture: Millfield School

Norris was seven when he started racing and, after a successful junior racing career, he became the youngest-ever British driver in F1 history when he made his McLaren debut in March 2019 aged 19.

He is now in his fourth season with the Woking-based team, has signed a contract until the end of 2025, and lives in Monaco. 

His grandparents John and Mary collected the award in Norris's absence. 

Aston Villa defender and captain Tyrone Mings attended Millfield's sixth form between 2009 and 2011.

He started his career at non-league Yate Town but climbed through the divisions to reach the Premier League with the Villans in 2019.

He made his international debut against Bulgaria later that year and has amassed a total of 17 senior England caps

The centre-back established the Tyrone Mings Academy in 2017 to provide opportunities for children in the midlands and south west. 

Mings recorded a video message to accept his award, which was collected by his father Adie. 

Somerset County Gazette: Adie Mings collect his son Tyrone's Old Millfieldian of the Year award. Picture: Millfield SchoolAdie Mings collect his son Tyrone's Old Millfieldian of the Year award. Picture: Millfield School

Actor Leslie was at Millfield School for five years and attended from year nine to the upper sixth (2000-2005). 

She is best-known for playing Gwen Dawson in ITV drama Downton Abbey and Ygritte in HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones

She discovered a passion for acting while attending Millfield and joined the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after finishing sixth form.

Leslie was unable to attend the event and collect her award but sent an acceptance video expressing her gratitude. 

Somerset County Gazette: Rose Leslie and Lando Norris's Old Millfieldian of the Year awards. Picture: Millfield SchoolRose Leslie and Lando Norris's Old Millfieldian of the Year awards. Picture: Millfield School

Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine who studies how the immune system protects against viral infection but also causes disease, attended Millfield Prep (1962-67) and Millfield (1967-71).

He then attended Guy's Hospital Medical School, where he studied physiology with a focus on respiratory and cardiac conditions. 

Openshaw was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to medicine and immunology, particularly his role in the UK's response to Covid. 

He attended the dinner and was presented with his award by Castle.

The Millfield School spokesperson added: “The list of previous Old Millfieldian of the Year winners is full of illustrious names such as Chris Robshaw, Helen Glover MBE, and Adwoa Aboah.

“The Old Millfieldian Society aims to support a large and vibrant network of former students across the world.

“Reunions and events are regularly held for Old Millfieldians, ensuring that friendships and connections are maintained, rekindled and cemented.”