Former pupil Dr Mark Baker visits Rydal Penrhos Prep School.

There was plenty of excitement in the air at Rydal Penrhos Prep School as a former pupil returned for a special presentation ceremony.

Dr Mark Baker, who is the project leader behind the restoration of Gwrych Castle, visited Rydal Penrhos on Friday 4 December and received a warm welcome from Prep School head Lucy Davies upon his arrival.

The main purpose of the visit was for Dr Baker to present prizes to the winners of the Prep School’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ themed challenges, which took place over the last three weeks and culminated in a final ‘Escape the Cellar’ task that was their toughest of the entire initiative.

Before the presentation, Dr Baker was given a tour of his old school by younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community, where they outlined the challenges involved and how much they enjoyed them.

This was followed by Dr Baker handing the chosen winners from their respective year group certificates as a result of their exceptional efforts throughout the challenges, and there was even time for a question and answer session with the visitor.

Topics surrounding the castle project Dr Baker has been involved in were discussed, in addition to questions surrounding the hit reality show being hosted by Gwrych Castle.

Dr Baker attended the Prep School before moving on to Rydal Penrhos senior school and he began the project to restore the castle back to its former glory whilst still a pupil.

The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust has worked tirelessly over the last decade to restore prominent rooms and gardens across the picturesque area.

The trust bought the castle in 2018 and a substantial effort from Dr Baker and the Trust enabled its grounds to be opened to the public soon after.

Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to thank Dr Baker for giving up time out of his busy schedule to attend the presentation, which our pupils thoroughly enjoyed.

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Rydal Penrhos is now able to offer private tours to prospective pupils and their families.

For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydal.wpengine.com/open-days-visits.