13207THE Duke of Kent told staff how impressed he was at Dauntsey's School in West Lavington last week when he officially opened the school's new science block.

His Royal Highness saw GCSE pupils using the new biology and chemistry labs in the multi-million-pound building that is being built in phases.

The first phase was opened in 1989 by the then Master of the Mercers' Company, Lord Selborne and the new biology centre was opened a year ago.

A further extension is planned, comprising two more chemistry labs, stores and preparation rooms.

Some of the buildings that are being replaced are more than 100 years old and date from the time the school was an agricultural college.

But last Thursday was the day the school felt confident to show their new facilities to the royal guest.

He arrived by helicopter on the cricket field at Dauntsey's and was met by the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Sir Maurice Johnston, and Lady Johnston.

He was introduced to High Sheriff, Col James Arkell, Coun Allan Peach, chairman of Wiltshire County Council, Jenny Combe, chairman of Kennet District Council, Peter Vaughan, Assistant Chief Constable, Robert Bernays, chairman of governors at Dauntsey's, headmaster Stewart Roberts and his wife Anna.

The Duke was escorted to the Memorial Hall where he met sixth form art students Stephen Chan, Sally Gantlett, Elizabeth Litt and Tom Severn before watching the opening number of the lower school musical, Honk, which is in rehearsal.

He later met young rowers who took part in this year's Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race and members of the sailing club who crew the school's own yacht, Jolie Brise, winner of the 2000 transatlantic Tall Ships Race.

He was also introduced to members of the school's apiary club who produce pounds of honey each year to sell locally.

Then he was taken to the new science block, chatting with pupils and members of staff who lined the route.

He was shown around the block and met GCSE biology pupils investigating osmosis with the help of water and pieces of raw potato and in the chemistry lab next door saw other year 10 pupils testing the acid content of commercial spirit vinegar.

Peter Wheatley, the school's head of science, said: "I am delighted with the new science laboratories.

"We have increased our provision for biology from three to four full-sized labs, and physics has also moved into four large new rooms.

"For the first time, chemistry has four labs available for teaching."

After his tour of the block, the Duke was asked to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening by headmaster Stewart Roberts. Mr Roberts recalled the previous royal visit to the school, by Prince Philip 33 years ago.

He said: "When your esteemed cousin came, where the hall was you were in this morning you would have seen pigs and the astro-turf pitch was a potato field.

"Please advise your cousin that things have moved on since he was here last."

The Duke replied that it was evident the school had developed very rapidly in recent years. He said: "I hope all the pupils enjoy these advantages that are not available to everyone."

The Duke also saw around the lower school centre before adjourning to the library to meet a group of specially invited guests before being asked to stay to lunch.