Kate mucks in on outdoor course

The Duchess of Cambridge looked comfortable as she mucked in with children from inner-city backgrounds who built tents and made campfires, developing their confidence and teamwork skills during a weekend visit to the countryside.

Kate visited the Expanding Horizons Primary School Scheme at Widehorizons' Margaret McMillan House in Wrotham, Kent, to meet children from ARK's King Solomon Academy Primary in London, who are taking part in an outdoor residential course.

The Duchess, who was well equipped for the visit with a pair of green Burberry wellies, spent time with children from Year 4. For most of the children, who are aged eight and nine, it was their first time to the countryside.

Kate, who also wore blue Zara jeans, a green Burberry blouse, green Zara jumper and a Really Wild green leather waistcoat, was accompanied on her visit to the woods by Vanessa Willms, headteacher of King Solomon Academy Primary, and assistant headteacher Lizzy Williams, who brought the children on the camping trip on Friday morning.

Looking relaxed and happy, Kate chatted to Zahid Shanvere, eight, and Faith Kalala, nine, who showed her the teepees where they had all slept on Saturday night.

Kate asked whether the children had been scared that a spider might come into the teepee but Zahid said that he was more worried that a mole might have made its way inside.

When showing the Duchess into the teepee, he said: "Ladies first."

To which Kate replied: "Such a gentleman. Thank you."