EXCITEMENT is mounting at a west Wiltshire primary school after it was confirmed a royal couple would be paying it a visit later this month.

Staff at Westbury Leigh Primary School hoping for a prominent Wiltshire dignitary to unveil their new building, were left stunned when it was revealed the Earl and Countess of Wessex would do the honour instead.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will spend an hour at the Westbury school on June 29, before moving onto a Trowbridge-based charity in the afternoon.

Headteacher Mary Murray said parents and children would be thrilled at the news with preparations getting underway next week.

"We were notified by the Lord Lieutenant's office this week so we have not had a chance to tell anyone yet as it is half-term," she said.

"I felt honoured, excited and nervous all at the same time. It is a mixture of emotions.

"We want to take them for a tour around the school, including our pre-school and get together in the school hall for the official opening ceremony.

"This will probably be the first and last time I will entertain a royal. I hope as many children will get to meet them as possible.

"I will have to go and buy a new suit now. As far as I understand they are very approachable."

Officials at Trowbridge-based charity Shaw Trust are already making plans to entertain the royal duo during their afternoon visit.

The couple will officially open a new caf at the charity's Palmer Gardens site a commercial venture providing disabled people with full-time employment and work placements.

Tim Pap, Shaw Trust's director general, said: "It is truly an honour the Earl and Countess of Wessex will be personally unveiling our new caf project at Palmer Gardens, and will be able to meet our staff and service users who embody the work of the trust and the success people can achieve with the support of our projects."

The royal couple will spend three hours in the county before whisking off to a Hampshire school and a festival at Winchester Cathedral.

They are due to arrive in Westbury at 11am before moving onto Trowbridge for 12.15pm.

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