An Olympic rowing champion attended a graduation ceremony in Essex, supporting ex-military personnel completing a charity-sponsored construction programme.

James Cracknell OBE, two-time Olympic champion rower, turned out to show his support for Building Heroes, a charitable scheme which provides comprehensive training to individuals transitioning from military to civilian life.

The participants have undergone a construction course teaching skills such as carpentry, tiling, and plastering among others - under the leadership of multi-award-winning Building Heroes, West Suffolk College, Eastern Education Group, and hosted by Vistry Group at a Bovis Homes site in Coggeshall.

During his hour-long attendance, the star focused on the graduates, the staff and industry professionals.

Bex Hammond, James Cracknell and Ben Rowlinson at the graduation ceremony Bex Hammond, James Cracknell and Ben Rowlinson at the graduation ceremony (Image: Submitted)

He addressed the students saying: “It’s brilliant you are upskilling and now you have skills that will live with you forever - congratulations.”

Course graduate, Wayne, 53, served 23 years in the army.

He said: “I wanted to do something different after 23 years in the army.

James Cracknell with Alex who is the husband of someone who works in the military, he is swapping the courts for construction James Cracknell with Alex who is the husband of someone who works in the military, he is swapping the courts for construction (Image: Submitted)

"This course was good - and the instructors were brilliant.

"I’ve already built a bar at home in the garden so I’m using the skills I’ve gained.”

Clare Guest, academy lead at Building Heroes, said: “We’ve had good feedback from the students, and it was great to be able to recognise their achievements at the graduation ceremony – although we pride ourselves on continuing to support everyone in the future – not just while they are on the course.”

Wayne - a building hero in the area he worked in during a course that is for the armed forces and their families Wayne, a building hero in the area, worked in a course that is for the armed forces and their families (Image: Submitted)

Apprenticeship and training co-ordinator for Rose Builders Alan Bridgman said: “Rose Builders have supported Building Heroes for many years and if graduates want work in the construction industry we are keen to try and help out.

Ending the event, Bex Hammond, programme lead for skills for employment thanked everyone involved, saying: “It’s so wonderful to see so many of you learn so much in such a short space of time.

“Also, thank you for your service to our country.”