Blackburn Pupils Ready to Fly the Flag for Prince William

(Article written for and published in the Lancashire Telegraph, and online at http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/2255765.blackburn_pupils_ready_to_fly_flag_for_prince_william/)


Blackburn pupils ready to fly flag for Prince William
9:59am Thursday 8th May 2008
By Sophie Maden

PUPILS are busy making flags to give Prince William a right royal welcome.
Youngsters at St Aidan's Primary School, Mill Hill, Blackburn, have also been busy learning about the history of the Royal Family.
Acting head teacher Laura Pooles is hoping that the pupils are able to "show teamwork" which she believes to be "a very important part of the curriculum".
Staff and students are also hoping to write their own newspaper article about the visit.
The prince is coming to town to check on pupils' soccer skills in his role as president of the Football Association.
Mrs Pooles said that the visit would be "great publicity for the school, but the most important thing is that the children enjoy it and feel special for a day".
She added: "As you can imagine, there are lots of people who want to be present, so parents will have to watch from a community park close by."
Asked about her opinion of Prince William, she said "He is a very good role model.
"I have heard that he is a very pleasant young man, and we are looking forward to meeting him."
Hayley Probert, 11, is one of the children taking part in the coaching session being put on for the Prince. She said: "I am really excited about Prince William's visit. It will be a great opportunity to meet him; one I will never forget"
"I think the Prince will think that Blackburn is a great place and that St Aidan's school is a really good school to go to because we are all so friendly.
"I am really looking forward to meeting our future king," added Callum Clark, also aged 11.
FA Director of Football and former West Ham and England legend Sir Trevor Brooking, who will join Prince William at St Aidan's, said: "The Skills Programme is all about getting boys and girls enthused through positive encouragement and allowing them to express themselves with a ball.
"It's not about becoming a world-beater, it's about fun and improving your skills, whatever your level."