School pupils met Princess Anne during a sailing event.

They were at the Norfolk Schools’ Sailing Association’s (NSSA) new facilities which were being celebrated by the young sailors of Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy.

The children, all in Year 6, were invited to participate in the official opening of the sailing base's new safety fleet and changing spaces.

The pupils even had the chance to speak to Princess Anne, who flew in especially for the event.

The young sailors talked about their experiences and what sailing means to them.

Eastern Daily Press: The children were invited to participate in the official opening of the sailing base's new safety fleet and changing spaces The children were invited to participate in the official opening of the sailing base's new safety fleet and changing spaces (Image: Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy)

One pupil said: "I enjoyed talking with the Princess so much I went and researched her afterwards."

Another was in awe at their "first time meeting a real Princess."

The pupils also attended the historic Herring Bridge opening.

Some were among the first to cross the newly opened drawbridge.

One pupil said: "I felt amazing and really, really brave."

Another said: “I felt really excited and a bit nervous to go over the bridge."

One of the pupils exclaimed that “today I did something incredible.”

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Craig Honey, principal at Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy, said: “It was fantastic to be a part of history as our pupils met and spoke to Princess Anne about their love for sailing, and became some of the first to walk across the new Herring Bridge.

“At Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy, we are committed to providing exciting opportunities for our pupils to get stuck into new activities and be involved with their local community, and to see how much they enjoyed learning about sailing, the construction of the new bridge, and speaking to Princess Anne.

“Community events like these are such an honour to be a part of and we know our children are so proud to be able to forever say they’ve met Princess Anne and were one of the first people to cross Herring Bridge.”