Princess Anne Oversees Opening of Paddington Academy

MCV reports that The Princess Anne, Princess Royal has opened the Paddington Academy in Westminster, London, England. The specialist school was co-funded by the United Learning Trust and GamesAid, a UK-based games industry charity fund. Industry donations for the Academy currently total over £1 million, with the industry promising additional funding of over £700,000. Classes at Paddington Academy first began in September of 2007. Princess Anne met with a number of funding partners and industry executives at this week's royal opening. "The Academy has been one of the focal points for money raised by our industry over a number of years," Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association chairman Andy Payne said in an interview with MCV. "It's a very proud day for everyone involved and a real thrill to be here to witness such a positive learning environment," Payne continued. "The games industry must now retain its relationship with the Academy, helping to mentor and develops skills."