The Duke of Edinburgh travelled to a County Durham education company to learn about their innovative work to transform lives, before opening a new headquarters. 

Prince Edward began his trip to the North East today (Thursday, September 19) with a visit to the Learning Curve Group's new headquarters at the DurhamGate development, in Spennymoor. 

During the visit, His Royal Highness greeted staff and learners, including young people on the makeup and hair courses, and others who are undertaking the MPCT, a training course preparing people armed and uniformed forces. 

(Image: Paul Norris)

HRH spoke with Learning Curve Group's CEO Brenda McLeish OBE about how the company is trying to move forward for the future, as well as the business's 20-year-long history of transforming lives. 

The visit, initially scheduled for 2020, was delayed by the pandemic, and the training group were pleased to see the official opening ceremony take place. 

(Image: Paul Norris)

The Duke of Edinburgh was told about how the hair and makeup course, which includes training in theatre and special effects cosmetology, has boosted young learners' confidence in their craft after struggling with academic education. 

(Image: Paul Norris)

HRH said: "The big problem with school is that it is very, very good at what you forcan't do - but then you start progressing with things like this, and you feel very different about yourself and what you can do. It's extraordinary!"

He praised their "excellent work", and commended the organisation for helping to "transform 1.8 million lives" over their 20 year history. 

(Image: Paul Norris) Unveiling the plaque, Prince Edward said: "Thank you very much for inviting me to come and open your offices.

"I am incredibly sorry that it has taken us four years to get here but my visit today has been great!"

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He joked: "After four years of build-up, it's good I turned up on the right day!

"I am rapidly following in my father's footsteps by being the most experienced plaque unveiler in the county. 

(Image: Paul Norris)"Unfortunately, it is not the most exciting thing to watch me unveil a plaque, so I need you to pretend that it is, to make me feel better, and so that everyone else in the building thinks you're having a very good time!"