THE Duke of Gloucester has been looking at multi-million pound plans to expand a Kidderminster primary school and recognised the dedicated work of community groups.

Liane Billingsley, Birchen Coppice Primary School headteacher and school governors were showing the Duke - a qualified architect - blueprints which will see £4.2 million spent remodelling and expanding the school into a community hub.

The school's transformation is set to be completed by September 2009 and will boast sports changing rooms, a public meeting room, a new police base to replace the existing temporary building, internet cafe and housing offices.

The royal, who is 19th in line to the throne, was invited back to the school, in Woodbury Road, for the grand opening by pupil Thomas Hutton, 11.

The Duke was hearing about Oldington and Foley Park Pathfinder's community work through advisers based on the school site.

He was also looking at new leaf mosaic artwork produced by talented nursery children from both Birchen Coppice and Foley Park Community Primary schools, now on permanent display in the nearby TreeTops Children Centre.

Philip Hoare, centre manger, said: "Having the approval of a member of the Royal Family provided a memorable conclusion to the work."

In a two-hour tour of Kidderminster, the Duke spent time at the school before braving the rain and travelling across town to Broadwaters Park, where he planted a tree to mark the visit.

He continued his official visit flanked by dignitaries including Michael Brinton, Worcestershire's Lord-Lieutenant, chief inspector Jim Baker, Wyre Forest district police commander, and Kidderminster Mayor Mike Shellie.

Mr Shellie is a member of Friends of Broadwaters group which has put time and effort into developing the park.

He paid tribute to the Duke as a "down-to-earth fellow" who had shown a keen interest in the group's work.

The Duke was shown around the greenspace's sanctuary garden and was taken to see the working water wheel on the former mill building, fitted in September 2007, by the friends group and overseen by Mike Shellie.

Mr Shellie said: "For us his visit showed recognition of all the work that the Friends have done over the past five years."

See an online gallery of the visit by clicking here.