Royal opening for new Durham Police HQ

The Princess Royal was greeted by schoolchildren dressed as police officers

The Princess Royal has officially opened Durham police headquarters.

The £14m development at Aykley Heads in Durham City, home to 600 staff, is next to the base which the force had used since 1968, but had become too costly to maintain.

During her tour, Princess Anne visited operational departments and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

She also took part in a tree-planting ceremony to mark the force's 175th anniversary.

Princess Anne toured the force's communications room

Later, she moved on to Darlington where she met volunteers from the local neighbourhood resolution scheme.