STUDENTS from Hope Academy got to be face-to-face with Royalty after working on a project with Everton football club.

Fourteen business students from the Newton-le-Willows school had taken part in a 'Dragons Den' style presentation to a panel of judges at Everton’s Community Hub.

They worked on the project for a few weeks with the challenge to look at how Everton could build links with Tanzania through football, ahead of a friendly match.

Pupils underwent preparation with Tina McCabe – a tutor from Everton in the Community who ran regular workshops with them.

And the students got to meet Prince Edward, who was at the presentations event which was also the opening of the Everton Community Hub.

After observing the students presenting, the Prince had a chat with those involved.

The students have two more workshops and will attend the final on Tuesday, July 18 at Goodison Park in which the two teams will go head to head to win.

Louise Davies, teacher and volunteering and enterprise coordinator at Hope Academy, said: “I am so proud of each and every one of these students and how they conducted themselves in such a business like and professional manner – we definitely have some strong entrepreneurs at Hope Academy.”

Year nine student Leah Shipley added: “It was an amazing experience to meet royalty and a massive confidence boost.

"I felt lucky to have taken part as I am very passionate about business and hope to take part in more business activities like this in the future”

Pupil Zak Andrews said: “It was an amazing experience and I am truly grateful to meet a member of the Royal family. Once in a lifetime opportunity and an all-round extraordinary day.”