WARRINGTON Collegiate enjoyed a regal official opening on Friday, with a very special guest.

The Queen's cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, spent two hours touring the new £27million campus, chatting with staff and students along the way.

First stop was the Creative and Performing Arts department, where his Royal Highness enjoyed a range of shows and displays, including a performance of YMCA by the supported learning group.

Student William Tran, 17, said: "We were nervous about meeting him and the dance was pretty hard to do but it went well, I enjoyed it."

Next up was the Colin Daniel Construction and Engineering Skills Centre where students can earn qualifications in plumbing, painting and decorating, joinery and electrics amongst other.

After a stop at The Warrington Business School it was on to the award-winning hair salon in The Academy, where he congratulated everyone on their achievements.

The Prince encountered a rather grisly scene in the Harmony make-up salon where students had used theatrical make-up to recreate a scene from Casualty.

After one final stop to watch the cabin crew students in action, the Duke unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening.

Guests then enjoyed a meal in Buckely's restaurant, prepared and served by the students themselves.