The new Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Andrew Proud, joined pupils and staff from Bucklebury Church of England school in the hometown of Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding to Prince William.

The bishop said he was "delighted" to be joining festivities and that he was looking forward to the royal wedding on Friday.

"It’s wonderful to be here celebrating with the children at the heart of the local community at Bucklebury Church of England School, where of course we also celebrate another significant milestone this year, the 200th anniversary of church schools, which provide state education with a distinctive Christian ethos," he said.

Earlier this month children from the school recorded a ‘Celebration Song’ for the royal wedding and sent a copy of the CD to the couple.

The song was recorded in All Saints Church, Upper Bucklebury, which has close ties with the school.

Vicar of All Saints, the Rev Jules Gadsby, also attended the party as a special guest of the children.

The playground ‘street party’ and song were the idea of the school council.

Tomorrow, the bells of All Saints will toll in celebration of the royal wedding. On Sunday, the church will mark the occasion again with a special service giving local married couples the opportunity to renew their vows.