THE Duke of York received an enthusiastic welcome when he visited Pluckley on Tuesday to unveil a plaque marking the opening of a new extension to the village school.

His Royal Highness mingled with guests, including the Mayor of Ashford, Bob Davidson, and county council chairman Frank Gibson.

He was also greeted by the school's head Richard Rule, who said: "It's a great honour. The children were very excited."

The Duke also received a warm welcome from the children in their classrooms and answered questions from selected pupils in the library.

Afterwards, he returned to the main hall to unveil the plaque.