Excited crowds gathered at the Stable Home Family Trust near Ringwood for the arrival of the Countess of Wessex.

Staff, clients and visitors lined the driveway of the old building set in beautiful grounds at Bisterne, waiting for Her Royal Highness Sophie Wessex to arrive as the Journal went to press.

Sophie was expected to take a tour of the garden at the home in Bisterne, and meet a number of staff, service users and volunteers who work in there.

She was also expected to attend a short performance of Love in the War performed by the service users in the dance and drama studio and meet those involved in woodwork and pottery as part of yesterday’s visit.

The Stable Home Family Trust was set-up as a charity in 1980 by a group of families whose children had learning disabilities.

As there were few family-based living options at that time, the charity set up a residential home at The Stables in Bisterne.

Over the years demand for the service has grown and now the charity provides activities for those with learning difficulties each week, offers residential care and domiciliary care for those in their own homes.

The Countess was set to unveil a plaque commemorating her visit.