THE Earl of Wessex served up a memorable day for Knutsford teenager Hannah Wall and her fellow students.

Young tennis players from Manchester High School for Girls received the Royal seal of approval as they showcased their skills as part of a campaign to generate support for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club.

The students were joined by pupils from other schools across Greater Manchester to receive a master class on the original racquet sport as part of a series of UK events by The Earl to raise awareness of the DofE.

The tennis enthusiasts tested their new skills against each other in front of their Royal audience, parents and teachers.

After the two-hour tennis session the highlight for everyone was to meet The Earl.

Hannah, 13, said: “I had the best time! Not only did we get to practice a new sport with a professional coach at the club, we also had the privilege to meet The Earl of Wessex afterwards and talk to him about his experiences of tennis and racquet.

“I was quite nervous at first but I realised he was really down to earth and knew a lot about the sport.

“I started playing tennis at Manchester High about two years ago and now play 15 hours a week at two clubs - Widnes Tennis Academy and the Northern in Didsbury.

“To be able to talk to a member of the Royal family about my favourite sport was an opportunity of a lifetime and I will never forget it.”

Manchester High girls celebrated their third place as The Earl congratulated all students and presented them with medals at the end of the event.

Sarah Rowley, PE teacher at Manchester High School for Girls, said:

“The Real Tennis Challenge was a fantastic event and we were honoured to meet The Earl.

“Our girls were visibly inspired by his passion for the sport and no doubt it was an experience they will talk about for many years to come.”