Royal visit to village

The Duchess is a patron of Chailey Heritage School and officially opened the newly refurbished Hanbury sixth form building which has been financed entirely by charity fundraising.

She was welcomed by the pupils in the school's social hall where she unveiled a commemorative plaque before meeting students, staff and members of the fundraising committee.

Following the visit to the Sixth Form Department, she made the short journey to the nearby NHS Clinical Services Unit, which provides advice, assessment and treatment for children and young adults with multiple disabilities and brain injuries.

She toured the rehabilitation engineering service workshop, and was shown the latest equipment which is used to improve the lives of young

people with complex disabilities.

She finished the day with a visit to Chailey School to mark the school's fiftieth anniversary year.

The Duchess toured the school, calling in on a Year 8 Art lesson and viewing a photographic exhibition marking the school's half century before attending a citizenship ceremony.

Lesley Young, headteacher at the school said: 'It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness to the school, which is the undoubted highlight of this special time in its history and one that will be remembered by us all as a unique experience in our lives.'