AN Andover teenager received a surprise on the evening of her school leaver’s prom when she was treated to a VIP close protection experience.

Jessica Winter, 16, and her boyfriend Jamie Ward, 15, were transported to their prom at Harrow Way Community School by a security detail provided by Andover security company Venture Security.

The prom took place on Friday, June 24.

The close protection detail was similar to the kind used by celebrities and other high-profile figures such as members of the Royal Family.

Jessica said: “Everyone gets excited by fancy sports cars but to be treated like royalty was a whole different experience. When I saw the car approaching, I was shaking with excitement.”

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Jessica and Jamie were transported to their prom in a Range Rover, similar to those favoured by the Royal family, and were accompanied by two close protection officers, complete with suits, earpieces and dark glasses.

Two further officers on motorbikes travelled ahead of the car to scout out the area and their arrival point, before the two leavers were seen safely inside.

The security detail was organised by Jessica’s father, Darren Winter.

He said: “It’s been a really challenging few years, with so much disruption caused by the pandemic.

“Despite this, Jessica has absolutely blown us away with her determination and hard work, and the whole family is really proud of her.

“We wanted to do something extra special as a surprise for her prom and working in the security industry myself, giving her a close protection experience seemed like a unique way to do so.”

Jessica added: "I feel very proud to have a dad that would do something so special for me and Jamie and I'm so thankful to the amazing Venture team for how they treated me and Jamie during the whole experience.

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“It made the whole concept of prom even greater for me and Jamie, and we are incredible thankful for everybody who took part in making our evening the best it could be."

Jessica is hoping that her GSCE results will put her on course for a place at Winchester University, where she would like to study to become a primary school teacher.

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