SCARY Guy looks like the last person some people might expect to be talking about love, compassion and understanding.Covered with tattoos and peppered with piercings, his appearance is the very reason for the message he brings - not to judge others because of what you see.

SCARY Guy looks like the last person some people might expect to be talking about love, compassion and understanding.

Covered with tattoos and peppered with piercings, his appearance is the very reason for the message he brings - not to judge others because of what you see.

The American motivational speaker - he never reveals his real name - was making a visit to Orwell High School at Felixstowe to talk to students in years seven and eight and do in depth workshops with year nine on eliminating prejudice and hatred.

Scary Guy has an international reputation, having spoken to millions of people all over the world promoting a message of love, peace and acceptance of all people, and the youngsters at Orwell in Maidstone Road were thrilled and challenged by his seminars.

Headteacher Peter Tomkins said: “I have been amazed by way Scary has interacted with our students.

“Not only have they listened to him but many of them have built a real understanding of his message through discussion.

“He seems able to genuinely empathise with the struggles young people go through.

“We are a better, more respectful, community through having met with him.”

He made the students think about their responsibilities and think about how they affect others in the way they react in situations.

Workshops aimed to change attitudes, boost self esteem of the teenagers and build respect for each other in the school environment.

He uses his striking appearance to challenge stereotypes.

“I decided to change my behaviour and do something about the name-calling, put-downs and negative words I had used for a full 43 years,” said Scary.

Did you hear Scary Guy speak? - tell us what you thought: write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk