SWINDON is putting the final touches to welcoming Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, for the latest celebratory event to mark the 175th anniversary of the town’s creation.

The Duchess will be the guest of honour at the official naming of the new Sir Daniel Gooch Place, immediately outside the front of the train station this morning.

She is expected to unveil a specially designed nameplate honouring the man who is regarded by many as the father of new Swindon.

It was Sir Daniel's letter to Isambard Kingdom Brunel on September 13, 1840, as the 24-year-old that Great Western Railway superintendent, which set out why the engineering centre for the GWR should be built in Swindon and set in motion its creation as modern town.

Swindon station opened in July 1842 with the works opening on January 2 the following year, covering 300 acres.

The Mayor of Swindon, Coun Eric Shaw, will welcome Her Royal Highness alongside civic leaders from across the town while local primary school pupils will present flowers.

Caroline Black, project manager for Swindon 175 which is overseeing this year’s celebrations, said: “We wanted to give Sir Daniel Gooch the recognition he deserved and what better place to do this but at the gateway to the town.

“For The Duchess of Cornwall to accept our invitation is absolutely wonderful.

"Swindon has so much to be proud of, and for Her Royal Highness to share this important day is testament to that and a fantastic legacy for the town and the man who put us firmly on the map.”

Then the Duchess will then go to the Swindon Borough Council offices in Euclid Street to see the long term plans for the regeneration of the town centre. She will be met by Coun Russell Holland, the deputy leader, and chief executive John Gilbert.