A few little teeth may have been chattering behind the beaming smiles of young pupils awaiting the arrival of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh outside Hertsmere Jewish Primary School on Monday.

But a cold wind failed to dampen their enthusiasm in a rousing reception for Prince Philip, involving dozens of children lining the school path and vigorously waving Union Jacks.

The Prince spoke during the formal opening ceremony for the school, in Watling Street, Radlett, which was launched in September last year with support from borough's Jewish community.

Special guests for the occasion included The Chief Rabbi, Professor Jonathan Sacks; Hertsmere MP James Clappison; and the school's principal benefactors, Stanley Cohen OBE and his wife, Joy.

The Prince told guests packed into the school hall: 'It is a tremendous achievement and I hope that you are all feeling tremendously proud of yourselves.'

He thanked a group of around 40 children, aged between four and six, who gave up a day of holiday to sing the new school song and a piece from the musical Joseph.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque in the hall, the Prince joked: 'I can't really declare this place open, because it quite evidently is open already.

'But I remember during the blitz in the East End when a lot of the shop windows were blown out and signs were put up saying, 'More open than usual.'

The Chief Rabbi also addressed the guests, and specially thanked Mr and Mrs Cohen, who donated the premises for the school, which was formerly the site of Stanley House Country Club.

'This is a memorable day for the Jewish community ,, this school will write a wonderful chapter in the story of Anglo,,Jewish renewal,' he said.

Chairman of governors Jonathan Arkush originally launched the project to create the school six years ago, along with vice chairman Stuart Polak, to meet a growing demand for a Jewish primary school within Hertsmere.

Mr Arkush said: 'This is one of the proudest days in the history of our community in Hertfordshire ,, we are witnessing the fulfilment of a 20-year dream.'

He thanked the Prince and said Jewish people had a great regard for his family because his mother, Princess Alice, had shielded Greek,,Jews during the Second World War.

Hertsmere JPS, which is already oversubscribed, started its life as a fee-paying school in 1998, with one class of 25 children attending the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue.

Currently there are around 130 children at the new school, which opened its nursery in January, although this figure is expected to rise to 400 within six years.

Headteacher Michele Bazak said, after the ceremony: 'This is a very proud moment for me ,, there is such a lot of good will, happiness and friendship in this school.'

The guest list for the opening also included the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Audrey Attwood; the borough council leader, Councillor Stuart Nagler; and the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Paul Acres.