A BASKETBALL star turned actor has visited a Pershore school to talk to pupils.

Paul Sturgess, who is Britain’s tallest man at 7 ft 7 inches, played for the Harlem Globetrotters and was the tallest college basketball player in the US.

Mr Sturgess, who is nicknamed ‘Tiny’, has since turned his hand to acting and is currently filming Deadpool 3 with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.

He also does motivational speeches at primary schools.

Evesham Journal: Paul Sturgess with Abbey Park pupilsPaul Sturgess with Abbey Park pupils (Image: Abbey Park Schools Federation)

Mr Sturgess visited Abbey Park Federation in Pershore, to teach the young people that your differences can be your superpower.

Being so tall, Mr Sturgess could easily have shied away from the public - the constant comments and questions could have made him retreat, but he didn’t.

Pupils heard how he turned what made him different into his career and embraces who he is every single day and doesn’t let what other people think stop him from doing what he wants to do.

Mr Sturgess told pupils: “Incredible opportunities have come my way because of the fact that I am different.

“I have grabbed each of these opportunities with both hands and worked as hard as I possibly could [in order] to be successful.”

Evesham Journal: The former Harlem Globetrotter showed off a few tricksThe former Harlem Globetrotter showed off a few tricks (Image: Abbey Park Schools Federation)

Abbey Park’s business manager Samantha Faulkner said: “He came into our school and held an assembly for Reception to Year 7, talking us through his career and all of his sporting achievements.

“It was truly incredible. He reiterated that his achievements came through a huge amount of hard work.

“Each class got a workshop with Paul playing different games and he showed us some tricks too.

“Paul really was a true inspiration to not only the children, but also to the staff. It is a memory that none of us will forget anytime soon.”

Mr Sturgess was drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters in 2011 and is the tallest player ever to represent the team, also appearing as part of the team’s arranged opposition the Washington Generals, playing the villainous role of ‘Cager’.