Leaders of Bradford Grammar School have spoken of their delight at being the only place in the district treated to a visit during the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's Jubilee tour of Britain.

The independent school in Frizinghall, which can trace its history back to 1548, invited Prince Philip to mark the start of a new era with the opening of extra facilities worth £2.5 million.

He congratulated the school on its new developments and praised a large audience of parents who had helped to raise the necessary cash.

Alan Jerome, chairman of governors, said: "We are honoured that the only visit to the city of Bradford to celebrate the Jubilee is to our school."

The Royal couple were in West Yorkshire as part of their regional tour to mark Jubilee year.

The Queen met dignitaries in Leeds and performed a walkabout in Millennium Square, while her husband visited the Coal Mining Museum at Wakefield and then Bradford. Both then went to Harewood House for a pageant and entertainment from 300 local children, some of them from Bradford.

Also at the garden party was lay pastor of St John's Church in East Bowling, Chris Barnes and his wife Margaret.

Mr Barnes was invited because of his work within the church and community of East Bowling.

It was Prince Philip's second visit to Bradford Grammar School. He had also been there in 1949 when he accepted a gift of a shawl, for the then-baby Prince Charles.

This time, he saw the new swimming pool, sixth form centre and Music School.

Parents waving Union flags braved rain and raised a cheer to welcome the Duke, while the brass group played a fanfare.

They also packed into the Sixth Form Centre to watch a plaque being unveiled by the Duke, and applauded warmly when he paid tribute to their fundraising efforts which have helped to secure the fantastic new facilities for the school.

"Hopefully you won't get stung for any more for a bit," he joked. "Although they will think of something."

A huge appeal was launched under the chairmanship of Old Bradfordian Roger Bowers and managed to raise the cash in less than three years.

And in the end the sun did come out to crown a special day for Bradford Grammar School.

Before hopping back into his waiting burgundy Jaguar, the Duke went on a brief walkabout.

He chatted to some of the school's youngest pupils, who were gathered with their parents to wave him off on the next leg of his tour.

He approached first year pupil Kristopher Cawood to ask him about the book he was clutching, Around the World in 80 Days.

"He asked me if I had seen the film, but I haven't," said Kristopher. "He was nice."