PRINCESS Anne made a royal visit to a Blackburn bridalwear firm today...two years later than she had originally planned.

Princess Royal was due to visit Linzi Jay's Blackburn headquarters on Shadsworth industrial estate when it opened in 2002, but prior arrangements kept her away.

Today she made up for the firm's disappointment when she toured the site, met staff members and was treated to a tiara and jewellery-making display. Managing director Neil Flatley said: "It was a disappointment when she couldn't come, but today has more than made up for it. It was fantastic."

Tina Entwistle, who began work at the firm today, added: "It was worrying enough starting a new job and this added to that! It's been a day to remember."

During her visit the princess also met a variety of dignitaries, including the deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn, David and Karimeh Foster and chairman of the British Bridalwear Association Joe Sweeney.

Princess Anne, who last visited East Lancashire in 2002 to open the Accrington offices of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, was later due to visit a new-look school. The red carpet was being rolled out at Blackburn's St Wilfrid's Technology College which has opened a new £13million building.