PRINCE WILLIAM “joined” Rodbourne youngsters, as they finished a brand-new award scheme that celebrates teamwork and resilience.

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School was picked to test the new Prince William Award, a national character award scheme backed by the future heir to the throne.

The prince, who as a former search and rescue helicopter pilot knows a fair bit about teamwork, joined the 29 Year 5 pupils via a pre-recorded video as they collected their awards earlier this month.

To achieve the award, the children had been taking part in weekly sessions with former RAF Regiment soldier Chris Peacock, who now works with Skill Force – a charity that pairs ex-servicemen with schools.

The Prince William Award gets children to work in groups, encouraging them to think about the impact that they can make as part of a team.

“We’ve been building their confidence through activity-based sessions,” Chris said.

As part of the scheme, the class decided to revamp the school’s overgrown garden. “We went outside and looked at the pond and the garden,” Chris said. “It really was in wrack and ruin. The children decided that they wanted to regenerate it, so they could have an outdoor learning area.

“We had to plan it, design it, cost it and write letters to local hardware stores. It took them six or seven weeks.”

The youngsters finished their work in the final week of term – after weeks of digging and painting.

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School’s Ida Coombs said: “They’ve completely revamped the garden. It looks absolutely beautiful.”

For more about the Prince William Award, visit: www.skillforce.org/programmes/browse/prince-william-award.