They waited almost a year for this special day, when the Princess Royal officially opened their state-of-the-art pound;5.3 million building. Built beside two mainstream schools, Moorcroft Secondary Special School is a rare facility for 11 to 19-year-olds with severe and profound learning difficulties. There’s a hydrotherapy pool, three rooms for stimulating sensory development, information technology, music and food technology suites, plus a flat to prepare students for independent living. A covered walkway leads to the Evelyns Community Secondary School next door. More than 100 people attended the opening earlier this month and watched students demonstrating their skills. “It all went smoothly,” says headteacher Mary Geddes. “It’s a lovely day to look back on.”

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* Story time:Wing Ye of Year 7 listens to ‘Kipper’s First Day at School’. * Jamie of Year 7 reads from a Big Book. * Royal tour: Princess Anne looks at art work. * Quick on the draw : Kirsty of Year 8. * Fishy tale: Clare from Year 7. * Mixing in: Princess Anne chats to Shashi in the food technology room. * Queen for a day: Jackie, 18, with teacher Sarah Kenney. * Going for IT: teacher Liz Forshaw with students.