Edward visit the North East 

HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex visit the North East to visit three projects in the region.  The Earl visited County Durham visiting King James I Community Arts College and opening a new care home.

Prince Edward visited King James I Community Arts College, in Bishop Auckland.  He wathced a play and dance presentation by the schools' renowned drama group, Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, perform a version of their play, The Pitheaps. The group are celebrating their tenth anniversary, while the school is in its 400th year and was recently awarded specialist arts college status.  The prince, who worked in the theatre and owned a production company, told the youngsters: " It's a very apt specialist status for you. I hope you'll make the most of it and go on to do great things in the future."

The earl also visited the Aycliffe Young People's Centre, Newton Aycliffe, to launch the County Durham Young People's Service, which is at full strength after two years' development. The service works with many groups to support young people in need, by helping with all aspects of life, such as benefits, education, jobs and accommodation.  Hollie Smallwood, 19, who the service has worked with, presented Prince Edward with a handmade vase and card to mark the occasion.

She said: " I was in foster care since I was 12 but thanks to the service I'm finally settled. It got me on to a health and safety course and I'm going to join a Prince's Trust scheme and do a music course at New College in Durham."

Edward concluded his visit at the Charles Dickens Lodge, Barnard Castle to met many of its elderly occupants.  He met some of the tenants and unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit to the 36-flat development, which opened last September.