Brentwood was graced by royalty for the second time in four weeks on Wednesday as the Earl of Wessex came to town. Prince Edward visited Brentwood School, and formally opened its new sixth form centre.

The centre, which features 16 new classrooms, took around two and half years to build and was completed in August 2011 as part of the school’s programme to upgrade its school buildings.

His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking his visit, saying: “First of all, if I could just thank you for inviting me to come back to your school. It was a few years ago when I was last here and I didn’t recognise it.

“You’ve now got these splendid new buildings that I’ve come to see.”

He added: “I hope that this new space will be used for all sorts of dramatic purposes and I’m going to try to be the first one.”

Hundreds of cheering pupils stood outside to meet him as the Earl of Wessex left the auditorium.

The Queen’s youngest son also stopped to greet a number of students and staff.

Brentwood School’s headmaster Ian Davies said: “The visit of HRH the Earl of Wessex caused great excitement throughout the school community.

“His interest in the school, and in the many and varied activities of the students here was greatly appreciated.

“It has been a very memorable and stimulating experience for us and all who met him.”

Other dignitaries who attended the visit alongside Prince Edward included Lord Petre of Ingatestone and the Mayor of Brentwood Cllr Joan Holmes.

The new auditorium will be called the Wessex Auditorium in honour of the Earl.

His visit was the fourth royal visit to the school since 1957 when Queen Elizabeth visited to open a science building to mark the private school’s 400th anniversary.

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