THE Countess of Wessex thoroughly charmed students as she officially opened City of Glasgow College's city campus.

Sophie toured the Cathedral Street campus yesterday, meeting people involved in courses across the college's six faculties.

The Countess then unveiled a special plaque the main atrium of the building.

Designed by college students, the commemorative plaque was created using sandstone, granite and oak and features the college crest and its motto, Let Learning Flourish.

The royal was presented with a selection of handmade chocolates, crafted by students, and cut a cake replica of the building.

Sophie the wife of Prince Edward, gave a short speech to gathered dignitaries.

She said: "At the end of the day, this is about making our people employable and making that journey enjoyable.

"I am really thrilled to have been asked today and delighted to have declared the college officially open.

"I really see colleges like this as an important part of our education jigsaw puzzle."

During the tour of Scotland's largest college, Kait Finnan, a painting and decorating student from Wishaw, helped teach Her Royal Highness how to transfer gold leaf on to the college crest.

The 20-year-old said: "She did quite a good job of putting gold lead onto the trident on the crest.

"I was impressed by her skills - she was really good. She was really, really nice as well and seemed genuinely interested in what we were doing."

Sophie stopped at the hairdressing salon in the college and chatted to students there.

Kirstin Dunn, from Helensburgh, and Cheryl McArthur, from Pollok, both met the countess.

Kirstin, 25, said: "She asked a lot of questions about hair colour and how we choose which colours go together, how they work.

"She pointed at one of our blue hair colours and said that probably wouldn't work for her.

"She was really lovely."

The Countess also visited students studying Cabin Crew Operations and saw the college's replica aircraft, where they are taught.

Principal Paul Little said: “We are absolutely delighted and hugely honoured that HRH Countess of Wessex has officially opened our stunning new Super College.

“City of Glasgow College is truly trailblazing on the world stage."