Sponsored by
VIDEO: Chatty prince was the talk of the town
SCORES of excited youngsters were treated to a Royal appointment as part of a whistle-stop tour of Hartlepool.
Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, dropped into Catcote School before having lunch at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience and later visiting St Hild's School.
>> See more pictures from the prince's visit in Tuesday's Mail. To buy pictures from the event telephone (01429) 239408
The earl, who is heavily involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme (DofE), was in town in his capacity as a trustee of the UK and of the International Award Association.
Prince Edward arrived at the Catcote Road school at 11.15am and was greeted by excited Hartlepool teenagers Olivia Dunn, 18, and Bradley Pike, also 18.
Olivia, from the Foggy Furze area of town, said: "I was very excited to meet the prince, and it was a big honour."
The earl laughed and joked with school staff as he made his way inside, where he opted for a cup of coffee from the cafe.
School staff then showed him a number of initiatives used to overcome disabilities including enterprise businesses, Eagles Eye, which sells tea towels and re-usable bags, and 1, 2, Free Bikes, a scheme that donates bikes to African countries.
The earl, who also signed the school visitor book, was then introduced to DofE participants who were putting up tents and taking part in first aid and team building exercises.
School headteacher Alan Chapman said: "As a school we are passionate about removing barriers and creating opportunities and challenges.
"The visit was a great chance to showcase the DofE programme and also the successful businesses enterprise groups that we have at the school."
Alan Pounder, a teaching assistant and the school's DofE co-ordinator, added: "As soon as the children found out who was coming they were very keen to make sure all of the tents and camping gear was in the right place. The prince never stopped talking – which was a great relief as I was quite nervous – and he was very interested in what we showed him."
Dozens of smiling school pupils lined the car park and waved Union flags as prince Edward left the site.
Pupil Grant Strathearn, who turned 21 yesterday, was among the crowd and the Earl wished him a happy birthday.
Teaching assistant Val Cooke said: "Grant is quite deaf, but he recognised Prince Edward and was delighted he wished him a happy birthday."
Meanwhile, at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, the prince met youngsters who had created displays showing their DofE achievements.
He also watched 50 youngsters take part in a water sports event in Jackson Dock.
Shortly after 2pm, Prince Edward arrived at St Hild's School, in King Oswy Drive, were he spoke to youngsters about a collage they have made about their expeditions.
He also met DofE participants from Hartlepool United Football Club, who showed their football skills.
DofE regional director Nicola Meredith, , said: "It is a great honour to have a member of the Royal Family visit Hartlepool and see first-hand the activities that youngsters take part in."
More than 4.2m people have taken part in the DofE programmes in the UK since 1956.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
