Duke of Edinburgh visits veterans in city

The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre's new building

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited veterans, a college and university during a visit to Herefordshire.

Prince Edward met students at the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) and heard about their projects during his visit on Tuesday.

He also met apprentices at Holme Lacy College and toured its new Low Carbon Technology Training Centre.

The duke ended his visit to the county by meeting veterans, staff and volunteers at the Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre in Hereford where he officially opened its new building.

Mark Griffiths said Prince Edward had lots in common with veterans

Mark Griffiths, a veteran supported by the centre, said his meeting with the prince would be a moment to remember.

"He was asking me about my time in the Parachute Regiment and asked how many jumps I'd survived - he was quite surprised," he said.

Mr Griffiths praised Prince Edward for visiting them.

"He's got a lot in common with the veterans and great to see support from the royal family," he said.

Speaking about support from the centre, he added: "The centre is very good to us.

"Not just for financial support - but moral and mental support too. The army is a hard life and the veteran centre is doing a grand job.

"Its all about making the help out there accessible to everybody."

The Duke of Edinburgh earlier toured Holme Lacy College and its school of farriery apprenticeship programme, as well as its blacksmithing workshop.

He also visited students at NMITE accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley CBE.

Students showcased their engineering and technology projects before the university unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit.

Prince Edward met staff and veterans at the veteran support centre