A BURY school has paid a special tribute to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, by remembering a visit he made almost 45 years ago.

Prince Philip, who died on April 9, two months before his 100th birthday, visited Bury Grammar School in November 1976 as part of the celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the re-founding of the school by the Rev Roger Kay.

The Prince also spoke about his work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as he toured the school and spoke to many of the pupils and staff.

During his visit he also unveiled a plaque, which can be seen today in the Boys’ School.

The school’s principal, Jo Anderson, paid tribute to the Prince and his legacy to the world in her virtual Senior School assembly last week. She highlighted the Prince’s legacy, his innovations with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and his conservation drive with the World Wildlife Fund.

Mrs Anderson then went on to challenge BGS pupils as to what their personal legacy might be.

She said: “Over seven million people in over 130 countries have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and after 65 years it has had a significant impact on very many people.

“What impact would you as a Bury Grammar School pupil wish to make on the world in the future? We all have a role to play and the potential to have a significant impact on the lives of others.”

The Prince was also remembered by former pupil Chris Jones, who now writes for the Chicago Tribune as a theatre critic.

Writing in the paper, Mr Jones, who was 13 at the time of the Prince’s visit, said: “We didn’t see royals much in the faded factory town where I went to school so this was a big deal. I remember the head teacher, always big on appearances, nearly bursting with pride. He looked me straight in the eye and asked me how I got to school. I remember Philip’s face with total clarity.”