The Duchess of Cambridge has highlighted the "crucial role" grandparents, teachers and neighbours can play in bringing up children, saying “it takes a village” to raise happy, healthy youngsters.

The Duchess, who today unveiled the permanent Back to Nature garden she has designed for RHS Wisley, urged parents to embrace their "broader communities" for help.

Speaking of the benefits of outdoor play and learning, she urged parents and carers to foster wider relationships that can help “impart life-long benefits on our children".

Visiting RHS Wisley, she welcomed children in to the latest version of the garden she designed, speaking of her hopes that thousands will enjoy playing on its trampolines, swings and treehouses in its new permanent home.

Accompanied by Mary Berry, who is an ambassador for the Royal Horticultural Society, she joined a family day which included a tractor ride, coconut shy, maypole dancing, circus acts and facepainting amid the gardening fun.