The Earl and Countess of Wessex unveil a commemorative stone to mark 50 years of Norman Court School in West Tytherley. DA5886P17THE flags were flying at Norman Court School on Tuesday as pupils welcomed the Earl and Countess of Wessex to help them celebrate 50 years in West Tytherley.

The school moved to the Grade II listed building on the Wiltshire border after its previous premises in Kent were destroyed by a fire.

Today, it is attended by 280 children in the main school and 97 youngsters in pre-prep.

The Earl and Countess talked to staff, pupils and governors before touring the school and signing the visitors' book.

The Royal couple and their accompanying party, which included the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, General Sir Maurice Johnston, and Test Valley mayor Neville Whiteley, unveiled a commemorative stone in front of the school.

The youngest pupils sadly missed the ceremony the first time round so the Earl kindly replaced the cloth and performed the unveiling again to even louder applause.