Children thrilled by royal visit (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Children thrilled by royal visit

PRINCESS Anne gave her royal approval to recent renovations at Avening Primary School during a visit on Friday.

She arrived at the school dressed in a navy blue suit and was welcomed by headteacher Diane Boulton, dignitary Colonel Richard Coxwell and other officials.

Pupils Harry and Grace, both aged four, presented the princess with a posy of white flowers before she was taken on a fifty minute tour of the premises.

More than £100,000 was spent last year on the 160-year-old school to address problems with damp, ventilation and heating and to refurbish the toilets.

Ms Boulton said: "I think the visit went very well. We were delighted that she accepted our invitation, it was quite exciting and Princess Anne was very interested in the renovations carried out here."

The princess met children from all the years and inquired about their classroom activities.

Teacher Helen Grayston said: "We talked about what the children were studying - human river features - and she was particularly interested in our new electronic whiteboard."

Fergus, eight, said: "She was very nice. We told her what the land around the river was used for. It was exciting to meet her."

Nine-year-old Lindsay, added: "She told us she went on a train to school when she was a child."

Her friend Flora, eight, said: "I've seen her before on television or flying over in her helicopter, so it was good to meet her properly.

Princess Anne marked her visit by helping pupils to plant a cherry tree with the assistance of school governor Tony Russell, former head forester of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Mr Russell said: "It's her local school. It's great for the children to have the opportunity to meet her having seen Princess Anne on television. The children are very proud of their school and I don't think she's been here before."

After shoveling the first few mounds of soil Princess Anne warned children that she would be back to see if the tree had grown and that they might have to water it in the meantime.

The visit ended with a quick trip next door to the village hall, which doubles up as a dining room for pupils.

She met dining room staff and former caretaker Jenny Brain who had worked at the school for 26 years before retiring last year.

On departing, pupils gave Princess Anne a big wave and thanked her for the visit.