A VISIT from Princess Diana was a real morale boost to the people of Pendle, according to a former mayoress of the borough.

Diana visited Nelson in 1989 for the opening of the Ithaad centre in Cross Street.

Edwina Sargeant, of Colne, was one of the local dignatries who welcomed her.

"She was ever so beautiful and was wearing an emerald green suit," said Edwina, 75. "She was very at ease and fitted into her role quite naturally.

"People were asking if she could sign things and she jokingly asked if anyone wanted any blank cheques signing."

She added: "It was great for us to have her visit. It was a good promotion of Nelson and it boosted morale. People had never seen anyone as glamorous as her in the town."

Diana and Edwina shared a meal together. Edwina said: "She had had the two boys by then and made a joke about them when we were eating. She said the dessert was delicious and asked what was in it. It had some cherries in it and eggs.

"She said the boys had told her she wasn't allowed to eat anything with eggs in because she would catch salmonella, so she was going to be in trouble when she got home!"

Edwina was at her Spring Lane home when she found out the Princess had died. "It was very sad for that to happen to someone so young," she said. "I have shaken the hand of a princess and I shall never forget that."