PAST winners of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award are being invited to visit her ancestral home free of charge.

Hundreds of schoolchildren across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have received the award since its inception in April 2000.

Now Earl Spencer is opening up Althorp in Northamptonshire to winners and their families.

The estate is where Diana, Princess of Wales, is buried.

"This is a most generous offer from Earl Spencer," said Lindsay Mackie, director of the Diana Award.

"It will mean a great deal to our award holders who, I know, will be delighted to accept the invitation. We are most grateful for this support."

The award is given out each term to schoolchildren across the country who have been nominated by their school.

The winners range from children who have made outstanding contributions to school, whether it be by battling illness, or by setting up breakfast clubs in school.

There have also been pupils who have shown courage, endurance, creativity and compassion.

Entry for award holders is for up to five people, including the award holder, between Tuesday, July 1 and Tuesday, September 30, excluding Sunday, August 31 - the anniversary of The Princess of Wales' death.