Fortunate pupils in Cobham have met the world’s most famous chimpanzee expert, after Dame Jane Goodall paid ACS Cobham International School a visit.

The UN Messenger of Peace, famous for her decades-long study of chimpanzees in Tanzania, visited the Cobham school on Portsmouth Road on December 5.

Children aged six to 18 were treated to a presentation about Dr Goodall’s conservation projects and her programme Roots and Shoots, which encourages children to protect the environment.

A group of middle school students presented their work for the Roots and Shoots programme to the conservationist, who praised their dedication to the environment.

She said: “It was wonderful to meet so many committed young people from so many countries yesterday at ACS Cobham.

“An international school such as ACS is a wonderful launchpad to enlarge our Roots and Shoots programme.

“Roots and Shoots seeks to empower young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects for the community for animals and the environment we all share.”

Dr Goodall also gave a talk to grade 9 and 10 students about her work in Tanzania, and former members of Roots and Shoots interviewed her on stage.

Tara Golshan, executive director of Roots and Shoots, said: “I am very proud of all our young members and the staff at ACS.

“They are one of the longest standing schools on our programme here in the UK and a shining example of the type of commitment and dedication that will truly contribute to the preservation of our planet and its natural resources.”