Good luck wishes from royal visitor (From Free Press Series)

Good luck wishes from royal visitor

ABERSYCHAN youngsters were given a right royal treat when Prince Edward came to visit their education centre.

Young people at The Nook greeted the Earl of Wessex with pride, despite their nerves.

A crowd of pupils from nearby Pontnewynydd Primary School lined the street opposite The Nook to greet him.

And youngsters and residents who had gathered to get a glimpse of the prince were pleased when he crossed the road and chatted with them.

The Nook takes its students from mainstream schools and helps 14 to 16-year olds who find it difficult to stay in school for a number of reasons.

Project co-ordinator at The Nook Vivienne Hunt explained: "These young people, for whatever reason, just haven't been able to cope in a mainstream situation and by coming out to us they have a chance of achieving academically and socially and emotionally."

During his longer-than-planned visit, the prince met many of The Nook's students and they made him tea, which he drank as he watched them work on computers and in craft lessons.

Before heading back to Pontypool Park and his waiting helicopter, Prince Edward wished all the students good luck for the future and advised them not to give up hope when eventually looking for work.

With some words of encouragement, Prince Edward said: "Not always is the first job you get going to be the one for you."

Even pupils not enamoured with royalty before his arrival were a little star struck when the prince walked through the door.

Vicky Clark, 15, Rhianne Trinder, 14, Sian Lyttle, 15 and 16-year-old James Gulliford greeted their royal visitor as he went into The Nook.

Vicky said: "I have never met a royal and we were all quite nervous. When he came in I didn't know what to do, so I stood up and shook his hand."

Sixteen-year-old Paul Annetts has been at The Nook for nearly two years and is well on the way to getting his qualifications.

He said: "His visit was much better than I thought it would be. It makes me feel proud of what we have done here."