Hundreds of primary school pupils took over a Liverpool church to host their own version of the Coronation of King Charles III.
Arnot St Mary CofE Primary School in Walton hosted the special service at Walton Parish Church on Thursday ahead of the King's Coronation. The entire school turned out for the occasion, with pupils lining the entrance to the church waving Union flags.
Year four pupils Archie-James Daley and Lily McInerney, both aged nine, performed the roles of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, dressed in royal red, fur-lined robes and homemade crowns. The King and Queen arrived at church in an Imperial Viscount car where they greeted fellow pupils and proud parents.
READ MORE: Win a royally great bundle worth £290 - including luxury overnight stay and family passes
Inside the church, a 20-minute service was held by Year Four pupils to teach them all about the Coronation. Acting as Archbishop of Canterbury, Minnie Nind, aged nine, was given the role of anointing King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, before fellow pupils were asked to repeat God save the King.
Others were dressed as dignitaries in official costumes and flags representing the Commonwealth. An order of service was also made for the occasion, with pupils singing the hymn Be Still followed by the National Anthem.
Archie's mum Lauren Kelly, 33, and Lily's mum Lauren Kehrwieder, 37, were among the parents who turned out to watch today's service. Lauren told the ECHO: "[Archie] came home on Friday, we were going away, and he said 'I'm going to be King' - and that's the last he's told me.
"I loved it. The school is brilliant."
Lauren, from Walton, said Lily was "absolutely buzzing" when she found out Archie had been chosen to play the role of King, with the pupils having grown up together.
Lauren said: "My daughter is flamboyant. No matter what character you put her in she's always in character.
"Loads of people have stopped me and said how in character she is. She found out on Tuesday and said 'mum I've been picked to be Queen.' I'm so proud."
Headteacher Mrs Fiona Roper told the ECHO: "It's a historic, national event and we just wanted to provide all the children with an opportunity to take part in this historic occasion.
"It's been a real school effort to put it all together."
READ NEXT:
Men wearing high vis jackets snuck onto Anfield roof to watch LFC's Real Madrid game
Bar attack left man in coma and unable to speak or recognise his own parents
Rapist told child to do what he wanted or 'Father Christmas wouldn't appear'
Covid vaccine travel rules for Spain, USA, Turkey, France and others
30 of Liverpool's listed buildings where you can enjoy a drink
Mersey Snaps: Show us your best cat photos for the chance to be crowned May's winner
