THE EARL of Wessex made a slimey visit to The Oxford Academy yesterday morning, as part of a campaign to generate support for the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award.

Prince Edward met students and even successfully made slime during a short tour of the east Oxford school.

Various students and staff from the school and John Mason School, Gilletts School and Cheney School met His Royal Highness, as well as members of the Oxford community at the hour-long event.

Colin Cook, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, said: "It was lovely to see the prince coming and seeing the work that is going on in Oxford, especially the Duke of Edinburgh, which is really good for expanding children's horizons.

"He is very friendly, very informal - it was lovely to see him drive the Jaguar himself. The children are enjoying having a chance to engage with him and answer his questions."

His Royal Highness, who was also shown the school's sporting facilities, discussed the award with numerous participants and was invited to help with the slime demonstration by year 7 students.

He also spoke to head girl Jamie Just and head boy Alex Clovis.

Jamie,15, said: "He was just asking us about how the head girl and boy run school council and what we have done to implement different ideas.

"He was really nice. It has been a great experience."

Alex, 16, added: "When he first came out of the car it was like 'oh my gosh we are meeting a real celebrity', but the intimidation faded slowly."

Oxford Academy headteacher Andy Hardy said: “We were very excited to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex and share with him some of our learning opportunities at The Oxford Academy.

“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen to have such a prestigious visitor come to our Academy.”

Aimed at young people aged 14-24, the DofE programme offers an opportunity for young people to gain life experience and improve their confidence, independence and resilience through a series of activities.

Pete Singleton, DofE Regional Director in the South East said: “As a Charity Trustee and Gold Award holder, His Royal Highness is passionate about supporting young people to reach their potential, whatever their background or circumstance. We are grateful for his dedication to the Charity.”

The Earl spent the afternoon playing Real Tennis with four Oxford Academy students, along with players from other local schools.