THE Earl of Wessex visited Haslemere’s Woolmer Hill School, last Wednesday, during the Royal family’s preparations for the big day.

The visit was part of a campaign to generate support for The Duke of Edinburgh Award charity.

The Earl of Wessex spoke to Woolmer pupils participating in the scheme about some of the expertise they have developed as part of their activities.

A group of pupils from the Weydon Multi Academy Trust group of schools were also present, and they were able to talk to the Earl about their newly learned skills.

Many more Woolmer Hill pupils also had the opportunity to meet and greet their royal guest , who watched the award scheme members take part in a timed challenge to put up their expedition tents – not an easy task given the windy conditions.

The Earl unveiled a commemorative plaque, and a vote of thanks was given by year 10 pupil Robin Wallond.

Woolmer headteacher Clare Talbot told The Herald: “We are very proud of our exceptional pupils and very privileged that we were chosen to host this event and that our pupils were given the opportunity to really shine.

“They were all amazing. We really appreciated The Earl of Wessex’s time and the keen interest that he took in everyone and the Duke of Edinburgh Award within the school.

“We look forward to launching our next cohort of pupils starting their DofE Award in September. It is a fantastic programme which gives pupils life-long skills.”