THE Earl and Countess of Wessex, Edward and Sophie, visited Swan Valley School as part of their whistle-stop tour of North Kent.

The royal pair had previously visited a school and headed off to Darent Valley Hospital after visiting the recently completed PFI building.

The pair were met at the main entrance to the multi-million pound building by some of the school's younger pupils.

Edward talked to staff while Sophie shook hands with and spoke to her young admirers.

The pair entered the school and met yet more uniformed pupils. They then split up and headed off to see a selection of lessons in full swing.

Sophie was taken to the technology lab where she spoke to pupils about the wooden maze games they were making, while Edward watched pupils taking part in basketball and trampoling.