Doncaster gets royal visit as HRH Prince Edward reads to school children and town's new library

His Royal Highness, Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex, read to Year 2 pupils from Hill Top Academy in Edlington, as part of his tour of the building whilst on a visit to Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

The Earl read from The Day the Crayons Quit by Oliver Jeffers as he visited the children’s library.

Beryce Nixon, CEO of Exceed Learning Partnership which runs the academy said the royal visit was a real boost for the young pupils.

She said: “It has been an excellent opportunity for our pupils to visit the museum and learn more about their cultural heritage as well as take part in the inspiring literacy sessions.

“Meeting The Earl is a once in a lifetime opportunity which made them feel so special and valued. It was priceless to see their faces and eagerness to ask questions. The museum is an asset to Doncaster and our local communities.”

The academy’s Year 5 pupils also took part in a literacy and history session exploring artefacts from the past. Some lucky pupils also had the opportunity to discuss them with The Earl.

Speaking about the royal visit, Scarlett from Hill Top Academy, said: “I enjoyed meeting Prince Edward because he told us all about the antique washboard and I loved the huge library because I love to read.”

Matty added: “It was lovely to meet Prince Edward but I was a bit shy because I had never met a member of the Royal Family before.

Cody also said: “The best thing about the museum was looking at all the old objects and meeting Prince Edward. I loved the locomotive – it was huge!”

As well as visiting the library section of the three story building, The Earl saw first-hand how the new building was built around the former Doncaster High School for Girl’s facade.

The site is now home to historic artefacts from Doncaster’s history through the ages, the art gallery, the Kings Own Yorkshire Infantry (KOYLI) gallery and the rail heritage centre complete with two steam locomotives.

Civic Mayor, Coun Richard Allan Jones said it was a delight to welcome the Earl of Wessex to Doncaster.

“It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to our wonderful new learning facility and to showcase this amazing place. I’m sure he enjoyed his visit here and has happy and enduring memories of Doncaster as a result,” he said.