Princess Anne visits Shropshire - in pictures

Bright sunshine and a crowd of well-wishers greeted the Princess Royal as she touched down in Shropshire today on the first stage of her whistle-stop tour of the county.

Princess Anne, dressed in a cream and brown herringbone wool coat with black accessories and sunglasses, landed on a school playing field adjacent to Oswestry's Bradbury house, a new bungalow development for adults with learning disabilities.

She stepped quickly from the helicopter and waved to a group of young children and their carers from the nearby Start, Early Learning and Childcare Centre based at Oswestry's Woodside School before saying "good morning" to local resident Kathleen Lewis, 76, and her daughter Ann Llewellyn.

She was ushered by Shropshire's Lord Lieutenant Algernon Heber-Percy to meet Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, and other council officials. She was also introduced to the chairman and director of the Development Trust that runs the home.

She was then given a tour of the bungalows where she met residents, their parents and staff.

Councillor Barrow said: "We are very honoured and privileged that her Royal Highness the Princess Royal is visiting Shropshire to see first-hand this fantastic project.

"Shropshire Council is committed to helping adults with learning disabilities to live a life as full and independent as possible.

"I am delighted that the council in partnership with the development trust has been able to provide this superb accommodation which I know will have a very positive impact on the lives of the residents who live here."

All three tenants living at Bradbury House, Joel Disbury, Beverley Phillips and Rebecca Keir, were presented to Princess Anne during her guided tour of the purpose-built bungalow.

A very excited Rebecca, 24, was with her mother Deborah, as the princess looked around her bedroom.

"It's the second time I've met Princess Anne," said the former Derwen College student.

Mrs Keir said that her daughter had answered questions from the royal visitor.

"We also showed her the photograph we have of when Beccy was seven and met Princess Anne during a Riding for the Disabled event in Carshalton in Surrey, where we lived," she said.

By Deborah Knox