THE head teacher of the high school Mark Cavendish attended has praised the cycling hero.

Adrienne Burnett, of Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, commented after 26-year-old Cavendish, from Laxey, won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award last night (Thursday).

She said: "Everyone at Ballakermeen is thrilled with Mark's achievement. He is a great inspiration, proving that with hard work and total commitment anything is possible."

Cavendish has had a phenomenal year which has included winning the green jersey at the Tour de France and becoming the world road race champion.