The Duke of York reinforced his ties with York Minster, and made the day of scores of schoolchildren when he visited the city.

The Duke launched the £250,000 York Minster Bells Appeal to commemorate the life of the Queen Mother in her centenary year. He also opened a new extension at St Olave's School, the junior school of St Peter's School.

Pupils at the school were delighted when yesterday's Royal visit led to them being granted an extra day off school.

The concession was granted as the Duke toured the new extension, which provides accommodation for 20 boarders at Wentworth House, a girl's boarding house.

Wentworth housemaster John Slingsby joked with the Duke and told him that in 1895, the then Duke of York visited St Peter's and granted pupils a week's holiday. He asked the present-day Duke if he could do the same.

"I said I understand times are hard but could we make do with one day," said Mr Slingsby.

The Duke then smiled and said he would grant the pupils a day off. The master of St Olave's, Trevor Mulryne, said the day's holiday would be called Duke of York's Day and would take place later this year.

A crowd of excited children had greeted the Duke as his helicopter landed in their school field.

"He was absolutely charming and fantastic with the children," said Mr Slingsby.

Later, scores of excited Royal watchers cheered and applauded as the Duke posed for photographs with one of the new Minster bells.

David Hurlston, a student from the South Bank area of York, presented the Duke with an early birthday card.

He said: "I know his birthday is not until the 19th, but he seemed happy with the card, and thanked me for remembering."

Meanwhile, Susan Welsh, from Leeds, gave a more practical birthday present in the shape of a Yorkshire tea towel.

She said: "I told him he was a new man, and he will be able to do the washing up, and think of Yorkshire. He said 'you are a little early,' but he was grateful."

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Peter Vaughan, said 16 cities, towns and districts from across Yorkshire had sent representatives for the launch. The Queen Mother herself sent a personal message expressing her delight at the Yorkshire tribute.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the bells fund should send cheques, payable to York Minster Bells Appeal, to PO Box 419, York Y01 7YT, or pay them in at any Yorkshire branch of HSBC, Barclays, Bradford & Bingley, Halifax, Lloyds TSB or Nat West. Alternatively, they can visit the appeal website at www.Yorkminsterbells.org and use the secure donation system.

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