A student from Southend High School for Girls got to meet Princess Anne at an event organised by the British Nutrition Foundation.

The foundation recognised the outstanding achievements of the top food and nutrition students and teachers from UK schools and colleges during its annual education awards.

The foundation established the Drummond Education Awards scheme in 1990 to promote interest in, and raise awareness of, good practice in food and nutrition. This year, prizes were awarded to the students who received the highest grades in food and nutrition subjects.

Kathryn Mell, 17, from Southend, was one of those recognised.

Judith Carr, recently retired head of food technology at the school, said: “Kathryn is an extremely talented young lady, tenacious, determined and she thoroughly deserves this award.

“She is very capable academically and creatively which has led to her achieving such outstanding work. She is a perfectionist.

“I am so proud of her achievements and I am sure that she will flourish and succeed in whatever career she decides to follow. She certainly deserves to do so.”