Sunderland children’s Coronation bench gets Royal seal of approval after being installed at the Tower of London

The school’s design was one of 14 selected by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) from 1,500 entries to take pride of place in the historic Royal building.

As well as meeting the HRP remit of creating a design which “explores their hopes for the future during the reign of His Majesty King Charles III”, the children were also keen for the bench to represent the city of Sunderland.

The eye-catching design includes iconic local landmarks such as Souter Lighthouse, Fulwell Mill and a ship’s wheel to represent the city’s ship building past and to “help the King steer us out of the choppy waters” we’ve experienced in recent years.

Isabella Johnson, 10, said: “My favourite part of the design is the otters as they’ve now returned to the River Wear as it’s no longer polluted.

"I’m really pleased with the final design as it represents the city.”

After the design was selected as one of the winning entries, HRP commissioned local artist Jina Gelder to bring the children’s bench to life.

The completed bench was then transported to London and yesterday (May 3) installed in the Tower where it will remain throughout the summer.

Assistant headteacher and Art lead, Katrina Humphries said: “As a school we’re so proud to be playing a part in the Coronation. Our design represents Sunderland and the North East and will be on display for people to see until September and so is a celebration of our city and region as well as this historic event.”

The children who created the design will travel to the capital for a “VIP trip” to see their bench in the Tower on Wednesday June 28.

Ms Humphries added: “It’s super exciting and a dream come true for the children to be travelling to London to see and sit on their bench in such a prominent place and to be part of such an historic event. We will be catching an early morning train from Durham and taking part in a number of special events at the Tower.”

Year 5 pupil, Isaac Warrener, 10, said: “I was really excited and proud when I found out we had been chosen and it’s going to be so exciting when we see the design brought to life for the first time.

"I liked designing the puffins as they’re a bird we get in the North East. They represent commitment and loyalty as they mate for life.”

Classmate Isla Kelly, 10, added: “I’m really excited about going to London to see the bench. It does feel weird that the Queen is no longer here but I’m looking forward to the Coronation of King Charles.”

Ceri Fox, Senior Learning Producer at Historic Royal Palaces, said:

“We are delighted to see the winning designs brought to life and installed at the Tower of London, ready to welcome tens of thousands of visitors throughout the summer during this historic Coronation year. Schoolchildren across the country have worked hard to develop thoughtful and creative illustrations for their Coronation benches, and we look forward to welcoming the winning pupils for their VIP visits this summer.”

At the end of the Summer the bench will be returned to the school.