Warm words from Duchess for 'green' learning centre

The Royal visitor unveiled a plaque at the new Bramall Learning Centre yesterday, which will provide horticultural and education facilities to 10,000 children every year. She was presented with a posie by three-year-old Annabel Baxter, who was overcome by shyness and had to be coaxed into a smile. Huddled in a powder blue coat against a chill wind and showers, the Duchess was then taken on a tour and introduced to local children.

After congratulating fundraisers, she unveiled a plaque, saying: "I think it's a truly inspirational idea, Talking to the children, you only need to see their faces to see how excited they are."

The centre has won awards for its eco-design.

Lady Emma Ingilby, one of the fund raisers, said: "It's been something like seven years since we were sat in a room looking at architectural drawings, I cannot believe that we have got to this point."

The Duchess also visited the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate, joining children from St Peter's Primary for an art lesson. Her final stop was a visit to Dr B's restaurant in Knaresborough Road to meet catering students and staff of the Barnardos project, including Jess Shepherd, 19, who has Down's Syndrome.