HE IMPRESSED everybody, took a keen interest in everything he saw and spoke to all of the children. That was the verdict on Prince Edward's visited the Isle of Sheppey.

The visit, on Wednesday, is thought to be the first to Sheppey by a member of the Royal family since the Queen opened an extension to Eastchurch school in 1995.

The Prince's first call was to the Gateway Centre at Rushenden to learn more about the regeneration plans for the village and neighbouring Queenborough.

The Prince was greeted by civic dignitories, including the Mayor of Swale Cllr John Morris and the Mayor of Queenborough Cllr Janet Flew.

Prince Edward was shown around the centre by community development project officer Austin Clays and was introduced to children from schools and groups who use the centre for their weekly activities. Among them were youngsters from Darnley Middle and Queenborough First Schools, who collaborated on building a sectional model of Rushenden and Queenborough and what the area might look like in the future.

Waiting for him elsewhere in the building were members of groups, who use it for their regular meetings. They included an arts group, construction students from Sheppey College, children from Rushenden Community House, brigands belonging to Sheppey Pirates and members of Sheerness Boxing Club.

The second part of his visit took the Prince to the 3,000 acre Elmley nature reserve, jointly run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Elmley Conservation Trust.

The land is owned by Philip Merricks, who is working to integrate farming and wildlife with tourism and is behind a new initiative to attract more visitors to the island. Prince Edward joined a convoy of four wheel drive vehicles to see parts of the site and unveiled a commemorative plaque in the centre’s Victorian barn . He also met a group of children from Eastchurch primary school, well-known for its energy saving and eco-friendly projects.

Thanking those present for the invitation to Sheppey, the Prince wished the projects every success and added he was pleased so many children had given up their half term to attend.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have the chance to escape from school for the day,” he told them.

Cllr Morris said afterwards: “It’s been an absolutely wonderful day and Prince Edward was very easy going and relaxed. He paid particular attention to the children as well. His visit means we are no longer a forgotten island.”