An innovative special needs school in Wrotham has won royal endorsement with a visit from Sophie Countess of Wessex.

The Countess, Patron of the National Autistic Society, flew in by helicopter to officially open Grange Park's new building on Tuesday, September 21.

Based on the same site as Wrotham School, the school caters for secondary aged pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions, and has been praised for its groundbreaking design.

All classrooms benefit from a south-facing aspect, as the building - designed to have minimum impact on pupils with autism - is curved and set into a hillside.

Its acoustics and lighting have been adapted with autistic needs in mind and special "Kalwall glazing" is used to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Its grass roof conceals the building from the north and acts as insulation from noise and temperature extremes.

It also includes solar panels and stores rainwater.

KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Sarah Hohler (Con), said she was "extremely proud" of the new building and thanked the Countess of Wessex for opening it.