THE Duchess of York paid tribute to the memory of her 'angel' at Hereford Cathedral Junior School's prize-giving day, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

In an interview with The Hereford Times, Sarah Ferguson explained how her close friend, the late Carolyn Cotterell, had become her guardian angel during their 16-year friendship and pledged that she would do anything to help the Cotterell family.

Paying homage to Mrs Cotterell, who died last October from melanoma cancer, and her three children, Poppy, Richard and George and husband, Harry, who live at Garnons, Byford, the Duchess said: "They are a wonderful, close family. I think it's lovely, all the wonderful years the Cotterell family gave to Carolyn, and all the happy years that Harry gave her. It's lovely to see such unity in family life."

She was attending the prize giving to support year one prize-winner George Cotterell, and to open the school's Centenary Library.

During prize day preparations, headteacher Tim Lowe said he asked George how the Duchess should be addressed. "She's really nice," George had said. "Why don't you call her Fergie?"

The Duchess, who is Poppy's godmother, also praised family unity during her opening speech at the cathedral.

"It's so exciting to walk back in history and remember why we are here; our roots and family unity," she said and confirmed that she and Andrew also stand up for family and communication.

'Fergie' stayed close to George and Harry throughout the afternoon garden party at the library, during which she signed many of year six's shirts and mingled with parents and staff.