Visiting Duke of Gloucester given taste of Shropshire life

Hundreds of people turned out to meet Prince Richard, who is the Queen's cousin, as he made his way across Telford, Bridgnorth and Atcham yesterday.

During his visit the Duke officially opened a new £3 million technical centre at Bridgnorth foundry Grainger & Worrall.

He also presented The Queen's Award for Enterprise and Innovation to the company, which works with a number of high-profile car manufacturers around the world, including most of the Formula 1 teams.

• Scroll down for video of the Duke's visit

Bosses said the award marked 'a major milestone'.

His Royal Highness was given a tour of the company's headquarters by director Edward Grainger, who talked about its history and current innovations.

Mr Grainger said: "His Royal Highness showed great interest in both our history and current developments, and he spent a good deal of time chatting to our staff.

"It was a tremendous day."

Other special guests included the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Edmund Thewles, Philip Dunne MP and Shropshire Council chairman, Councillor Malcolm Pate.

All staff at Grainger & Worrall were presented with commemorative gifts to mark the occasion, including a bottle of champagne each.

From Bridgnorth, the Duke travelled by helicopter to Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury. Following his dramatic arrival in front of the National Trust-owned mansion he was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Algernon Heber-Percy and staff members.

He was given a tour of the park's mansion and walled garden and also met about 80 volunteers who help to look after the house and grounds.

Mark Agnew, general manager at Attingham Park, said: "It is great for our volunteers that the Duke has come in the jubilee year to thank them for their work. It really acknowledges their contribution.

"We have done a lot of work in the house and as the Duke has an interest in architecture he could see how far we have come."

Shrewsbury town councillor and Attingham Park volunteer of 15 years, Jackie Brennand, was among those who came to meet the Duke.

She said: "It is all very exciting and it's great publicity for Attingham."

The Duke began his tour of the county with a visit to Lightmoor Village, in Telford, where he was welcomed by crowds of schoolchildren.

The village has been built using the latest eco-friendly building techniques, and the Duke, who is a trained architect, was especially interested to see the design of the buildings. His first stop was a guided tour of Bournville House Extra Care Centre, which opened eight months ago.

Ian Tipton, director of Bournville Architects, which is part of Bournville Village Trust, said: "He was interested in everything, from how we came up with the size and make-up of the building to how people use the space and what the materials are and whether people are enjoying it."

Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Algernon Heber-Percy was with the Duke throughout his day in Shropshire.

He said: "He was really enjoyed his trip to Lightmoor Village and enjoyed seeing the architecture. He was also much impressed with the private homes he visited.