CHEEKY Leya Parsons got a laugh when she urged Prince Edward to get more involved in a storytelling session at the Story Museum.

Leya, nine, a pupil at Pegasus Primary School, Blackbird Leys, and fellow pupil Alissa Twist, pictured right, were given the daunting task of performing the traditional tale of The Monkey and the Hat Sellers to Prince Edward and other guests. But they did not appear to be at all nervous and when it was time for the audience to participate. Lia, from Blackbird Leys, urged His Royal Highness to get more involved, shouting “Come on Prince Edward!”

The Prince called in at the museum in Pembroke Street to see preparations under way for the attraction to open in 2014.

He was welcomed by pupils from Pegasus Primary, and from St Ebbe’s Primary School in South Oxford and Story Museum patron the poet Michael Rosen.

With £3m already raised, the museum is launching a campaign this year to raise the £6m it still needs to open in 2014.

Co-director Tish Francis said: “We are delighted the significance of the Story Museum’s work and vision is recognised with the Earl of Wessex’s visit.”