Princess Anne visit icing on the cake for Wiltshire charity

Volunteers explained the work of the charity to Princess Anne

A visit from the Princess Royal was "the icing on the cake" for a charity celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Princess Anne spoke with volunteer Sian White and client Andy Stevenson as she unveiled a plaque to mark the milestone at Swindon-based Dressability.

Mr Stevenson said meeting the princess had been "just brilliant."

After leaving Swindon, Princess Anne travelled to St John Ambulance in Devizes to unveil a new community response unit first aid vehicle.

Dressability adapts clothing for people with a range of disabilities and those with limited dexterity to allow them to maintain their sense of style and independence.

Volunteers Trisha Southard and Ms White both found Princess Anne "personable" and "easy to talk to."

Andy Stevenson said the visit had been "really lovely"

Mr Stevenson, who was born without hands and uses a prosthetic leg, remembered meeting the princess on a previous occasion when he worked in sports production.

"It was just brilliant of her to come to Dressability," he said.

"This is a charity that deserves more exposure, a royal visit is a great way to do that. She was asking lots of questions, she was really paying attention to each item. It was really lovely.

"I think she got a sense of how life-changing clothes alterations can be," added Mr Stevenson.

St John Ambulance had a dedication ceremony for the new vehicle during the visit

The princess also visited St John Ambulance HQ in Devizes, which has a new unit for volunteers and equipment, to unveil a £65,000 vehicle which will join the charity's local fleet.

The money was raised with the help of a local fundraising campaign, with many councils in Wiltshire contributing.

Princess Anne spoke to groups of cadets, volunteers and staff while attending a dedication ceremony for the new vehicle, which has a range of medical equipment, including a defibrillator.

The princess is already connected with the charity as she has a youth-related position

She has a position within the charity, as Commandant-in-Chief - of Youth of St John Ambulance.

Martin Parsons from St John Ambulance in Wiltshire is delighted with the new van: "We have everything we need for an event in the back", he said.

"I don't have to put it in the car anymore. It used to go in my fiesta.

"It looks much more professional to attend an event in Wiltshire that requires a first aid post and take this vehicle" he added.