PUPILS from Manningtree High School were in the presence of royalty.

Year Nine students visited the Big Bang Fair at the University of Essex on Tuesday, which was also attended by Prince Charles .

The youngsters started with a careers work-shop, including presentations from companies.

There was also an Essex Wildlife Trust workshop, interactive science show and a demonstration from Essex Robots.

School science co-ordinator Ros Fretwell said: “We all had an enjoyable day and hope the students were inspired by the technology and information they saw.”

Prince Charles arrived at the campus and paused to greet students.

He tried out some of the 30 interactive stands in a bid to raise the profile of STEM subjects, science, technology, engineering and maths.

The Royal’s visit coincided with the university’s 50th anniversary.