FOR most children, princesses exist only in fairytales — but pupils at Essa Academy were honoured to welcome a real princess to their school.

Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan travelled to Great Lever to speak to hardworking and ambitious youngsters and find out how her charity was helping them reach their goals.

The princess is chairwoman of Mosaic, a mentoring program founded by Prince Charles for young people, particularly Muslims from less privileged backgrounds.

Mosaic has been working with children at Essa since September, 2010.

Princess Badiya said: “It is hugely important for me to see the work Mosaic is doing with children.

“I am passionate about it because children are bright and do well but sometimes need a push in the right direction through raising their aspirations. They deserve the best.”

Describing Essa Academy as impressive, she added: “It has been a really wonderful day.”

Children said they were very excited about meeting a reallife princess.

Leena Al-Momani, aged 14, who came to the UK from Jordan eight years ago, said: “I was so excited when I heard she was coming.

“I’m so proud that she is at this school.

The royal family in Jordan are as big as the royal family here so it is really good she could come to the school and we can tell her about it.”

The princess even took part in a mentoring session as a role model.

Nehman Khan, aged 12, said: “It was really good to talk to the princess about what we are doing and the attention the school is getting. She is very nice.”

Heather Waring, aged 12, added: “It was good to see her and talk to her about the school which we are proud of. We told her how Mosaic really works in improving confidence.”

Director at Essa Academy, Abdul Chohan, said: “There was great excitement when we heard the princess was visiting the school and we are delighted to have had her here to see the work that is being done in school.”

Nafisa Haki, North West regional manager of Mosaic, said: “There has never been royalty here and it is a special recognition of the work the children do with Mosaic.”