EXCITED youngsters enjoyed a lunchbreak with a regal twist as a prince joined them in the classroom.

Brentwood welcomed its second Royal visitor in four weeks today when HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, called in at Brentwood School, in Ingrave Road.

He was invited to visit its new sixth form centre and officially open the Wessex Auditorium, which has been named in his honour.

The 400 seat facility will be used for lectures as well as drama and music lessons.

During his tour, HRH spent time in a psychology class where he spoke to students and staff and also joined youngsters in a gold Duke of Edinburgh Award session.

Denise Russen, marketing consultant at the school, said it is a “really popular” initiative and as a trustee of the scheme, it was something the Earl had a “particular interest” in.

He also presented a license to headteacher, Ian Davies, which formally allows the school to offer the programme of activities aimed at 14 to 24-year-olds.

As he stepped out of the sixth form centre, the Earl stopped and talked to a number of students about their work and extra curricular activities, including rugby and fencing, before waving to the cheering crowd as he left.