Jack of all trades: Flag put to new use on rainy royal visit

A Union Jack came in handy for a youngster sheltering from the elements when the Princess Royal visited Hornsea yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Dec 2010, 17:15 BST

Updated 15th Dec 2010, 09:22 BST

Princess Anne officially opened Hornsea Inshore Rescue's new boathouse, where she met 84-year-old William Smith, from Barnsley, who had to be rescued when his fishing boat sank earlier this year.

She also visited St John Ambulance's new headquarters in Hull where she concluded her visit by officially opening a new resource centre for the Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind, which has been active in the city for 146 years.

Polly Worsdale, of Hornsea Inshore Rescue, said: "The princess spoke to all the crew members and asked them why they joined. It's been a huge boost for us. It's just been excellent."

Wellwishers have raised more than 300,000 for the boathouse.

The rescue service has responded to over 60 incidents this year.

Hull