I would like to thank everyone in Darwen for supporting the Royal opening of the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy on Monday.

It was a real honour to show Prince William and Miss Middleton the hard work everyone is doing, and we were thrilled to secure their visit so close to their big day.

I wish we could have found a way for everyone to come inside and hear Prince William say it is a place that can transform lives, a place of inspiration.

The Academy is also grateful to everyone in the community for their support over the last two years, in which we have become one of the fastest improving schools in the country.

I would also like to thank the entire Academy staff for all their hard work in delivering these improvements and to pay tribute to the students for the passion and determination they show every day.

Rod Aldridge, sponsor, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.