Her Royal Highness, Sophie the Countess of Wessex, paid a visit to Southwold Primary School to see their award-winning rooftop garden firsthand.

Hackney Gazette: The Countess of Wessex visits Southwold School. Photo Grant SmithThe Countess of Wessex visits Southwold School. Photo Grant Smith (Image: (C) Grant Smith)

The garden, which the pupils use to grow flowers and produce for the school kitchen, is packed with a huge array of different plants including wheat which the children use to make bread.

Gulcan Metin Asdoyuran, head teacher at the school in Detmold Road, Upper Clapton, said: “We are all very proud of our amazing rooftop garden. The children love going up there and learning how plants grow, turning flax into fabric. It is a great hands-on learning experience.”

Along with Prince Edward’s wife, other dignitaries attended the event which celebrated the school winning the Worship Company of Gardeners’ Challenge Cup judged by the London Children’s Flower Society, which encourages children to take up horticulture.