Her Royal Highness Princess Anne received a right royal East Lancs welcome as she saw sights such as a much-loved museum and a popular pub.

The Princess Royal went to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Helmshore, Rossendale, and the village of Trawden, Pendle, on Wednesday (April 10).

At Helmshore Mills, the princess was welcomed by more than a hundred pupils from St Veronica’s RC Primary School, who waited in the wet weather for more than half an hour for the occasion.

They waved Union Jack flags made in class as she made her way into the textile museum.

Head teacher Nicola White said: “All our children were so excited to see the Princess Royal.

“We walked the school, all 152 of us, down to the Helmshore Mills Textile Museum.

“Lancashire Constabulary were marvellous at warming all of us up for the big event.

“It was a brilliant morning.”

Heather Davis, the Conservation and Collection Manager for Lancashire County Council’s Museum Service, led the tour for the princess, who is the president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association.

The textile museum closed between 2016 and 2018 but it is back to being a reminder of the area’s ties to the textile industry.

Ms Davis said: “I think she was impressed by the water wheel and the spinning wheel on the spinning floor.

“It is great to see her take such an interest. She knew all the processes and it came over really clearly.”

Later, in Trawden, Princess Anne was welcomed by dozens of residents on either side of Church Street for a visit to the popular pub the Trawden Arms and to the Trawden Forest Community Centre.

The community centre is celebrating 10 years in community ownership thanks to the efforts of the trustees led by chair Steven Wilcock who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) last year.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mr Wilcock said: “The British Empire Medal was an honour but we’ve not had a royal visitor to the village before.

“This is a huge, huge honour and it is the icing on the cake after everything we’ve achieved in the last 10 years.”

In the community centre, the princess spoke to representatives from organisations including the Parish Council, Trawden in Bloom, Trawden Bowling Club, the Cubs, the Guides, and many more.

RECAP: Princess Anne visits East Lancashire museum and pub - as it happened 

After 2pm, she disappeared down Church Street in a Range Rover to applause and cheers from the crowds.

Mr Wilcock said: “I was nervous but the princess puts you at ease. She never stopped talking to people and this is why people are so happy.

“I am happy it is over in one sense as I am not nervous anymore but it was an absolute delight.”

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.