Kate Middleton and Prince William have received a late wedding present - a specially bound book created by schoolchildren as a gift to the newly wed royal couple.

Children from Stevenage primary schools Trotts Hill, St Margaret Clitherow, Shephalbury Park, Peartree Spring and Lonsdale created paintings and messages to produce the 80 page book after the idea was put to them by former town mayor Michael Downing.

Jackie McTait, from St Margaret Clitherow, said: “The children loved it. They were all very inspired and teachers helped them look up the royal family tree.”

Mr Downing, who sponsored the book and chose the final entries, said: “This demonstrates the creative way Stevenage children expressed their enthusiasm for such a spectacular state occasion.

“We were so pleased with the responses we had and the book itself, which demonstrates the enthusiasm, imagination, warmth, sense of humour and sheer talent of all the young people who took part.”