PRINCESS Anne officially opened North Wilts Carers Centre in Chippenham this morning but found herself delayed by the British weather.

The Princess Royal was due to fly into Lackham by helicopter but because of poor weather conditions, the landing was switched to Lyneham, making her 15-minutes late.

Arriving in a silver Lexus, the Princess Royal was greeted by local dignitaries, including Chippenham mayor John Scragg and Lord Lieutenant John Bush, as well as centre chairman Gill Sawyer.

During her visit she was introduced to carers, volunteers and trustees and toured the New Road centre, which opened in November after a move from its former base in The Causeway.

The Princess Royal's visit was particularly poignant for one man, whose brother had been a keen supporter.

Brian Thomas, 63, has been raising funds for the centre since the death of his brother Roy. He said: "My brother would have been proud she had come."

Mrs Sawyer wrote to the Princess in September to ask her to officially open the centre, which is now part of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, launched in 1991.

*For more pictures see this Friday's Chippenham News