Children had the surprise of their lives when a Kate Middleton lookalike rolled up in a Bentley to have a tea party at their school yesterday.

Pupils at Osidge School in Chase Side, Southgate, lined the playground ready to greet the UK’s official Kate Middleton lookalike, Gabriella Douglas.

All 420 pupils took part in a writing competition explaining why they would like to have tea with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Six lucky winners drank pink lemonade and nibbled on cupcakes while two more had the chance to ride in a Bentley with the Kate lookalike.

Jacqui Mahir, literacy coordinator at the school, said: “The children all absolutely loved it – it was a lovely day.

“We decorated the school with bunting and made flags and the school orchestra played a fanfare called Olympia.

“Our dance club also performed for the Kate lookalike and some other children were selected to hand her a bunch of flowers and a handmade card.”

Following the event children were encouraged to discuss the day as part of a Big Talk programme, and they will write about how they enjoyed meeting Kate.

Mrs Mahir added: “This was all about creating an event our children can talk about, and become more articulate as well practicing their writing skills.”