Green-fingered Prince Edward visits North Lancs school (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Green-fingered Prince Edward visits North Lancs school

12:55pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News By Scott Kirk, Reporter

GREEN-fingered Prince Edward planted a tree and unveiled a plaque during a visit to Hornby St Margaret's School this morning.

The prince chatted to children, parents and teachers during his one-hour visit to the school, which forms part of a wider two-day education trip to Lancashire.

Children from Hornby St Margaret's and Leck St Peter's School sung two songs for Prince Edward - Walking on Sunshine and A Whisper of Peace - before His Royal Highness was given a tour of the school.

He watched reception, year one and year two pupils paint and draw boats, before helping the older children come up with a new verse for the Lord of the Dance during an RE lesson.

"It is difficult in many ways for my mother The Queen because the Diamond Jubilee marks the death of her father and my grandfather," Prince Edward said in a speech before unveiling the plaque.

"But it is also an exciting year and is a milestone year for this country.

"We measure our history in reigns and you (the pupils of Hornby and Leck schools) are as much a part of that as anybody.

"This is everybody's Diamond Jubilee year."

The Prince visited the school after the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth, who lives at Leck Hall, asked headteacher of Leck and Hornby schools Kerry Stafford-Roberts if he would like a visit from the Prince during his two-day educational trip to Lancashire.

"I think today has gone really well," said Mr Stafford-Roberts.

"Prince Edward seemed so natural with the children that they felt they had time with him as well.

"He went to every single table on all the classrooms - he was fantastic."