The Duchess of Gloucester dazzled a Workington school after a spectacular entrance via helicopter to officially open its new £16.5 million building.

HRH the Duchess was greeted by crowds of screaming, flag-waving youngsters and enjoyed a tour of Workington Academy before unveiling a plaque.

Following her grand entrance in a helicopter, which landed on the school playing field, the Duchess seemed in good spirits as she chatted with lucky pupils.

Head boy Nathan Poland and head girl Kiera Benzie were among those who welcomed the Duchess to the school, as well as mayor of Allerdale Mary Bainbridge, Workington mayor Ann Bales and Ashfield Junior School pupils.

Nathan said: "I think to get a visit from a royal to open the school officially just makes it a bit more special.

"They spent a lot of money on the school and the facilities are a lot better."

Kiera added: "It's fantastic, really good publicity and a nice way to celebrate all the hard work that's been put into this building."

The Duchess was then given a tour of the building by Lorrayne Hughes, chief executive of school sponsor Cumbria Education Trust.

Mrs Hughes said: "We are delighted and honoured to welcome HRH the Duchess of Gloucester to Workington Academy and have the opportunity to showcase this wonderful new building.

"We hope that she has gained a favourable impression of this fantastic new learning environment along with the commitment and dedication of all our students and staff."

After the tour, pupils treated the Duchess to a musical performance and she was presented with a photograph of the local area, before signing the academy's visitors' book.

Workington Academy was formed last year to replace Stainburn School and Southfield Technology College.

It began in the existing building of the former Stainburn School and moved into the new building in March.

The new school, which has been built alongside the existing school building, has space for 1,200 students and includes two three-storey wings and a two-storey section.

The Duchess also visited the headquarters of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland in Dalston and the Stead McAlpin factory at Cummersdale.