THE Royal seal of approval was given to the Joy and Stanley Cohen Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in Watling Street, Radlett, on Monday when the Duke of Edinburgh attended its official opening.

The school - Hertfordshire's first state-funded Jewish primary school, which cost £3 million to build - was officially opened by Prince Philip, who unveiled a commemorative plaque in the school's main hall.

Prince Philip and Chief Rabbi, Professor Jonathan Sacks, toured the school, and were entertained by singing from the school's choir of four, five and six year olds before addressing the gathered crowd.

Prince Philip, empathising with parents at the beginning of the six week break, said: 'Holidays are curious things. You send children to school to get them out of your hair and then they come back in the holidays, which are just about the limit of your endurance.'

He then congratulated the community on its 'tremendous achievement'.

Chief Rabbi Sacks, leader of the Jewish community throughout the United Kingdom, thanked Mr Stanley Cohen and his wife, Joy, for donating the land upon which the school was built.

Their contribution, along with £2 million raised by the Jewish community in Hertsmere, and a grant of £1 million from the government, funded the project.

Headteacher Mrs Michle Bazak said: 'It has been the most exciting year of my professional life. It has been invigorating and the children have exceeded our every expectation.'