PUPILS joined the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day.

Earlier this month, eight pupils from Wilshere-Dacre Junior School in Hitchin were invited to the event, thanks to their involvement and effort in enterprise.

They were among 1,000 young people present at the Observance overall, after taking part in this year’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

Run by the Royal Commonwealth Society in partnership with Cambridge University Press, pupils from the school explored issues such as innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in their winning pieces.

Acting headteacher Chris Kronda, who also attended the event along with deputy headteacher Sarah Smith, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to take part in a spectacular occasion.

“They really enjoyed seeing the Duke of Edinburgh and the other VIPs. The children were great ambassadors for the school.”

The pupils were in good company, with the Duke of Edinburgh, businessman Sir Richard Branson and Commonwealth secretary general Kamalesh Sharma present at the event, which was this year launched under the theme ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’.

There were also performances from soul singer Beverely Knight and indie band The Noisettes.

Mike Lake, director of the Royal Commonwealth Society, said: “We are thrilled that pupils from Wilshere Dacre School could join the Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

“Having been introduced to the enterprise them through the essay competition, it was wonderful to then see the pupils celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship alongside their peers from across the UK and Commonwealth.”