By James Johnson

Last updated at 14:05, Wednesday, 03 October 2012

The sound of a saxophone filled the room while staff and pupils lined up, politely waiting to be introduced to the first royal visitor to their school.

The Duke, right, with headteacher Alan Mottershead

The Duke of Kent was making the visit to Trinity School in Carlisle to cut the ribbon on a £20 million rebuild of some of the buildings.

The Duke began by shaking hands and happily chatting to students and staff, before being given a tour and demonstration of the new facilities included in the rebuild project.

The first young people to meet the Duke – the Queen’s cousin – were head boy Andrew Glendinning and head girl Olivia Hodgson.

Olivia said: “We had to give him his first greeting – he was really nice but it was nerve wracking.

“He was quite interested in the new building.”

Andrew agreed, and said: “He asked if we had evolved along with the school and we said we had.

“The building has new technology for the students to use.”

The Duke then met the year 11 house captains, who were representing different groups of pupils within the school itself.

During the tour through the new building, he was shown a science class, an art lesson, and got the chance to hear a musical piece played by students.

After he was shown round the Duke opened the building, saying: “You have a wonderful new building here and I have been very impressed.

“I am delighted to open it,” he added.

The gathered pupils and staff burst into a loud round of applause to thank the Duke for his visit.

Headteacher Alan Mottershead said: “It was a very good visit indeed.

“I was happy to be able to introduce our wonderful tennis star of the future Harri Proudfoot and it all went to plan.

“It was really hard work to get it organised but it was very good.”

Harri Proudfoot, 13, who was asked to present a posy of flowers to the Duke, said: “I’ve never thought I would get to meet a royal.

He asked me about my tennis and it was good.

“I would definitely like to do it again.”

First published at 11:24, Wednesday, 03 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk