The Princess Royal has celebrated the food technology achievements of a high-flying student from Beaconsfield High School.

Charlotte Gorman, a former pupil the Wattleton Road school, received a cheque and certificate at a glittering London event.

She received the honour after scoring one of the best marks in the country for the A Level subject, for her particular exam board.

Denise Bevan, food technology teacher at the school, joined her former pupil at the British Nutrition Foundation awards, and said Princess Anne went out of her way to make the occasion special.

She said: “It was amazing day. She spoke to each of us individually which was so nice. It was all quite personal.

“It was a very nice day and I think it was good for Charlotte – she made really good contacts.”

They enjoyed a champagne reception, canapés and top-notch food at the formal event., which took place last month at the Royal College of Physicians.

Each celebrated student was presented with a cheque of up to £100, and a framed commemorative certificate by the Princess Royal.

Teachers were also presented with a framed certificate and a cheque of up to £200.

Charlotte was among the five highest achieving pupils in the food technology course under the AQA exam board. To mark this received a letter from the board, as did Sonia Collins, another high-achieving Beaconsfield High School student on the course.

Mrs Bevan said: ““It's quite big for me personally. It's nice if two of your girls get two of the highest marks in the county.”

Charlotte is now studying food technology at Sheffield Hallam University.

Professor Judy Buttriss, director general of The British Nutrition Foundation, said: "It is important that all young people receive good food, nutrition, diet and health teaching at school. These awards demonstrate that teaching of food and nutrition in UK schools is alive and kicking.

"I would like to congratulate all teachers and pupils for their hard work in this extremely important area of life and the curriculum."