THE Earl of Wessex made a flying visit to Herefordshire this morning to view a swimming pool built in his name and help celebrate 300 years of Lucton School.

The British Paralympic Association patron got a full school welcome as he stepped down from his helicopter at 10.20am from students keen to show off their new indoor ‘Wessex Pool’ - officially opened last year by paralympic double gold medallists Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis.

The Credenhill couple, who have met Prince Edward before as part of the British team, were also there to greet him.

Mr Kindred said: “He comes to a lot of meets, paralympic championships and things and is just very supportive of the paralympic movement.”

Prep school students also showcased the new facilities in a swimming demonstration before senior pupils staged a music and drama presentation in the school hall.

The Earl even took time out for a teddy bears’ picnic with nursery classes before returning to his chopper.

Headteacher Gill Thorne said: “This is a wonderful day for the staff and the pupils, one they will remember all of their lives.”