JUST a few years ago their lives looked like they were spiralling out of control.

But yesterday two young people from Blackbird Leys sat in front of the Duchess of Cambridge at Oxford Spires Academy and told her how a local charity had given them a future.

Kate listened intently as former pupils Kelly Appleby and Justin Whittaker told her how The Art Room had given them their self-esteem back.

Mum-of-two Miss Appleby, 23, said: “I was referred to The Art Room because of my bad behaviour. I had a disruptive home life.

“I thought it would just be another chance to mess about and I was the only girl in a group of boys.

“But even after the first session I went away feeling really good.”

The single mum now works part-time as a painter and decorator, and volunteers around Blackbird Leys. Miss Appleby said: “I was so nervous when I went in, but once I started talking, it was fine. She seemed to have a genuine interest in The Art Room.

“It’s brilliant that she’s got involved with this charity. It totally changed my life.”

Mr Whittaker, 19, was also impressed with the Duchess. He said: “I was so nervous. But she seemed like a very genuine person. She wanted to know about what we were talking about.”

He told the Duchess life at school had been tough, but he had found his feet at The Art Room.

He said: “I had a difficult life growing up at home. When I was at school, it was difficult.

“But when I came here it gave me the opportunity to be myself.”

Mr Whittaker now works at Oxford’s Cult store and hopes to soon join the police.

After lunch with school principal Sue Croft and others, the Duchess took part in a staff training session and discussion about the charity’s work.