AVONBOURNE Care Centre in Old Sarum officially opened its doors and welcomed a royal visitor to mark the occasion. 

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra met with residents and staff this afternoon as she toured the centre, which is run by the Orders of St John Care Trust. 

She was greeted by pupils from Old Sarum Primary School waving Union Jack flags on her arrival.

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Home manager Esther Thomas said: "We couldn't be more excited about having Princess Alexandra coming to visit us to officially open Avonbourne Care Centre. Our residents and employees were thrilled to welcome her and were very keen to show her around our new home."

HRH Princess Alexandra also unveiled a plaque - marking the official opening. 

The Orders of St John Care Trust chief executive Dan Hayes said: "It has been a wonderful day. Avonbourne is a new care home which will provide the local community with a wide range of high quality care services in a comfortable, homely, and modern environment.

"Everyone here today, residents, colleagues, community representatives and the local primary school children, who gave such a vocal welcome, thoroughly enjoyed HRH Princess Alexandra's visit - giving Avonbourne such a memorable opening."