Duchess of Cambridge visits Oxford schools

The Duchess of Cambridge has visited two Oxford schools in her role as patron of The Art Room charity.

Hundreds of well-wishers had gathered at Rose Hill Primary School and Oxford Spires Academy to get a glimpse of Catherine.

The Oxford-based charity uses art to help children with issues such as low self-esteem and Asperger's syndrome.

Pat Norman, one of The Art Room trustees, said: "It's very special that we have her patronage."

She added: "The duchess brings us into the limelight in a way we probably could never have hoped for."

During her visit to Rose Hill Primary School, the duchess joined eight children working on the poem The Owl and The Pussycat.

She also took part in an art class as the children illustrated the story.

At the Oxford Spires Academy, Catherine met current secondary school pupils and former students who explained how The Art Room had helped change their lives.

Susan Croft, principal of Oxford Spires Academy, said pupils were "honoured" by the visit.

She added: "One of the students said 'I can't believe that someone so important is interested in us'.

"I think that captures the way the students feel."