STUDENTS from Great Yarmouth college sang, danced and presented flowers to the Prince during his visit.

He was welcomed by principal Penny Wycherley and taken on a tour of the Kier building where he met painting and decorating, bricklaying and carpentry students.

Ricky Turner, who is studying for a Level 2 diploma in bricklaying, spoke to the prince as he tried his hand at the trade.

“He was surprised by how much cement you need to lay a brick. He asked me how long I have been in college for. I was a bit nervous but it was nice to meet him, it’s something different.”

While walking from the Kier Building to the main campus, hundreds of pupils from Southtown First School and Edward Worlledge junior schoolS waved flags and cheered and the Prince stopped to meet people and shake their hands.

Donna Derbyshire, who was with her four-year-old-son Jack said: “It does good for the area and it’s nice for us to be able to say we met him. Jack wanted to shake hands with Prince Charles. I really wanted my son to meet the future King. I only live down the road so I said he could come in for a cuppa if he wanted.”

Eight-year-old Bailey Harvey, who attends Edward Worlledge said: “I was very excited to see the Prince. We were only told he was going to be here this morning. It was good to see him, I had a nice day.”

Fashion students flaunted their new designs in a catwalk show when the Prince entered the main building while 17-year-old Lana Inkster wowed the crowds by singing Sweet Child Of Mine.

“I told all my friends and family I was going to perform in front of Prince Charles and they all wished me luck. Not many people have the chance to perform in front of him, it felt pretty good,” the music student said.

Prince Charles unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit before walking through the library where he was greeted by rows of students and staff.

Three-year-old Darcey George from the college’s day nursery handed over a posy for the Duchess. The Prince asked if she had smelled the flowers and thanked her before moving to the end of the building to meet students from the Prince’s Trust who told him how the course had changed their lives.

Laura-Rose Spalding from Beccles told the Prince how the programme helped her gain employment as a youth worker.

Laura-Rose said: “Before I did the course my life was off the rails and I was using drugs. When I heard about the programme I instantly felt passionate about it.”

Since leaving the course, the 19-year-old has got a job and will soon be starting a degree in youth work.

“The Prince said I was an inspiration,” she added. “It was a very special moment for me.”