Prince Edward

Prince Edward

Britain's Prince Edward will open a new technical college in Wigan.

The youngest son of Queen Elizabeth will visit the northern English town's University Technical College (UTC) on September 23 where he will tour the facility and also the Wigan Youth Zone.

The UTC is a multi-million pound development which has transformed the former British Gas showrooms and council planning offices into a modern teaching academy. The venture is set to open on September 3 and provide education for young people aged between 14 and 19.

Chairman of the UTC governors, Martin Ainscough, told Wigan Today newspaper: "We are highly delighted that His Royal Highness Prince Edward has agreed to officially open our academy.

"This Royal occasion will seal the hard work and efforts that our team have put in to get the academy ready in time."

One of the innovative features of the UTC building is its state-of-the-art vertical farm - the first in the UK - which will grow crops to be made into soups and sauces which will be distributed to local charities.

Edward, The Earl of Wessex, has previously been given a lesson on Wigan's local dialect when he met with 24-year-old Holly Beever at a special reception earlier this year which she was invited to after she completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

She said ahead of her meeting: "I'm so excited to meet the Earl of Wessex and I can't wait to speak to him and teach him some Wiganese.

"I would have never imagined doing something so inspiring in all my life."


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