The Countess of Wessex visits Bexhill

First stop for the Countess was St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust, a non-maintained special school.

Attended by her Lady-in-Waiting Sarah Sienesi, and The Lord Lieutenant Mr Peter Field, HRH was greeted by The Lord Lieutenant's Cadet, Sergeant Ashley Sayers and a small group of parents and Governors.

Dignitaries presented to the Countess included High Sheriff Deborah Bedford, Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander Robin Smith, Chairman of East Sussex County Council Cllr Rupert Simmonds and school governors.

After a buffet lunch Her Royal Highness, who is patron of the school, was escorted on a tour of the school by the St Mary's CEO Gail Pilling.

During the tour the Countess had the opportunity to meet a number of students and staff including members of a lunchtime signing group, along with students and staff taking part in the BTECH Performing Arts Group.

Commenting on the Countess's visit Head Teacher Joanna Whiteman said:

"She's genuinely interested that's what's so nice."

This is the second visit to St Mary's for the Countess, who is particularly involved with charities relating to children who have disabilities and communication problems.

As her visit drew to a close Sophie met some of the pupils of 10A in the Science Room and got to see how they use various means of communication.

The visit concluded with in the dining hall where HRH signed the visitor's book and was presented with a posy by two of the school's pupils.

he second stop on the days agenda for the Countess was a visit to Royal British Legion care home Mais House where she received a warm welcome from Matron Sue Jones and Bexhill Town Mayor Jimmy Carroll.

Security for the Royal visit was extremely tight and unfortunately the Observer were severely restricted on reporting and photographing these local events.