Service at Diana's former school

Diana worked with children before she became a princess

A special service is being held at the former school of Diana, Princess of Wales to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

The princess attended West Heath Girls' School, now called the New School, in Sevenoaks, Kent, from the age of 12.

During a careers lesson she wrote she wanted to work with children and make their lives better.

Following Diana's death, the school set up a foundation to help traumatised and underprivileged youngsters.

On Friday, the 10th anniversary of her death, it was holding a special service of remembrance and thanksgiving.

'Untimely death'

Principal Valerie May said: "It's been heartening to know that I think we are doing what she would have liked to have happened here.

"She did write a note in a careers lesson when she was at the school saying 'When I grow up I want to help children, want to make their lives better', and that's what we are doing on her behalf."

Graffiti proclaiming "Diana Spencer was in this cupboard" now takes pride of place at the school and her name is featured on school jumpers.

School bursar Stephen Hardwick said: "She used to go down and see an old lady in the town we are told, which is a lovely start to her life as we know it.

"She was a great sports girl, she swam, dived and she won diving cups."

Two prayers written by the Archbishop of Canterbury will be read on Friday at a memorial service in London attended by Princes William and Harry.

They talk about the princess's "vulnerability", her "tragic and untimely death" and the "hope and joy" she gave to many.

The Archbishop was invited to write them. Text versions of the prayers have been published on the Church of England website.