A PUPIL was “knighted” by the Liberal Democrat leader during a visit to his school.

Sir Ed Davey joined Lib Dem councillor and parliamentary spokesman Josh Babarinde OBE at Shinewater Primary School in Eastbourne.

The visit on Friday, July 8, formed part of Mr Babarinde’s OBE School Roadshow, which he launched last year after receiving the honour.

Sir Ed, who was knighted in 2016 for public and political service, took his knighthood medal to the school, where he was a guest speaker.

The Argus: Sir Ed Davey and Josh Babarinde OBE present their medals to two Shinewater Primary School pupils Sir Ed Davey and Josh Babarinde OBE present their medals to two Shinewater Primary School pupils

After a tour of the facilities, Sir Ed and Mr Babarinde gave a talk and replicated the Queen’s investiture ceremony, where a child got to experience receiving Sir Ed’s knighthood and another experienced receiving Mr Babarinde’s OBE.

Helen Evason, deputy headteacher, said the experience was “an absolute privilege”.

“Two children led a tour of the school to share many of the wonderful opportunities they have at Shinewater - they were particularly delighted to show off the 3D printer and their outdoor area, where Sir Ed Davey held a frog,” she said.

The Argus: Sir Ed Davey ‘knights’ a Shinewater Primary School pupil in a mock investiture ceremony Sir Ed Davey ‘knights’ a Shinewater Primary School pupil in a mock investiture ceremony

“Our 'Debate Mate' team, who had recently won the Primary National Competition, listened to both men talk about their personal journeys to their current roles and from their own research asked some challenging questions.

“I think it is fair to say that everyone left the room inspired and aiming to perhaps one day be knighted or achieve an OBE medal.”

The Argus: Sir Ed Davey (left), Josh Babarinde OBE deputy headteacher Helen Evason and headteacher Nicki Kaufman Sir Ed Davey (left), Josh Babarinde OBE deputy headteacher Helen Evason and headteacher Nicki Kaufman

Mr Babarinde said: “As an Eastbourne lad born and bred, few things mean more to me than meeting local schoolchildren and sharing the message that if they dream big, work hard and get the right support, anything is possible in our town.

“I loved sharing this message alongside Sir Ed, and it was a privilege to showcase Shinewater Primary’s brilliant work to him.”

Sir Ed said: “Shinewater Primary School is so impressive, and it was inspiring to meet some of their hardworking staff and pupils.

“Their state of the art 3D printing technologies provide amazing opportunities for pupils, as do their outdoor education facilities.

“It was an honour to visit and so clear why Ofsted rated it so highly in its most recent inspection.”