PROUD head teacher Liz Connolly was honoured to be invited on a royal garden tour as a reward for her school's excellent report.

Liz, joined guests from 90 national schools, to have lunch at Prince Charles' Highgrove home, following St Catherine of Siena RC Primary School's 2003 Ofsted inspection report.

And Liz, who has been at the helm for almost seven years, and was the only guest from the borough's schools, was impressed by the heir to the throne's attitude to education and his impressive grounds.

She said: "We had a wonderful day. The Prince spoke about his commitment to education, the investment in young people and his recognition of the difficulties in education today. A totally organic gardener he was also interested in school meals and children's diets."

Liz, a teacher for 20 years, said groups of 10 were shown around the nine different gardens at the house including the walled vegetable garden and the Moroccan garden based on a rug design in the house.

After lunch the Prince came out and mingled with the party and chatted about his garden

Liz said: "It was gorgeous, very inspirational and very peaceful. The Prince showed us where the boys played football in the meadow and the beautiful tree house they had as children. It was a trip I shall always remember and was honoured to take on behalf of the school."

Liz, who is in charge of 208 4-11 year olds, seven teachers and six teaching assistants, plus other necessary staff, heard that the school has been included on Ofsted's new successful schools' internet service which was launched this month.

She said: "Obviously we are delighted to be included. Since I took charge we have we have become an eco school and have won our second flag, we have done a lot on recycling issues and have improved the grounds and buildings.

"We have said goodbye to two long standing teachers Mrs Anne Robinson after 25 years and Mrs Mel Humphrey after 29 years and now have new staff members, but schools are always evolving. It's an exciting time to be in education."

Last week Liz accompanied 36 year six pupils on an adventure holiday in Coniston.