HER Royal Highness The Princess Royal, visited Nethercott House at Winkleigh on Tuesday, January 17, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the charity, Farms for City Children.

Having arrived by helicopter, Princess Anne was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant David Fursdon and founders of the charity, Michael and Clare Morpurgo.

Princess Anne visited the piggery, the forest school and walled gardens where children from Lipson Vale Primary School in Plymouth were undertaking their farm work under supervision of the Nethercott staff.

Having seen the children working on the farm, Princess Anne was then introduced to CEO, Dr Tessa Stone, who introduced her to the Mayor of Hatherleigh, the farming partners and alumni, teachers and children who had previously visited the farms.

Finally, Princess Anne “opened” a bench to commemorate her visit and cut a cake which was enjoyed by the 80 or so attendees of the event.

Michael Morpurgo said: “We were delighted to welcome Princess Anne back to Nethercott after her previous visit to Treginnis, our farm in Wales in 2010.

“It is fantastic to have her support and understanding and we look forward to working together with her for many years to come.”

Princess Anne has been the Royal Patron of Farms for City Children since 1991 and this will be her third visit to Nethercott House and fifth visit to Farms for City Children.

Alan Quick