ACCRINGTON is to roll out the red carpet when the Princess Royal visits the town for the second time in two years.

Princess Anne will come to Accrington later this month to officially open two new charity buildings before going to Preston for three further appointments.

She will open Prospect House, in Whalley Road, and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers offices in King Street on Sunday, October 22.

Prospect House is the latest addition to the Hyndburn Service for the National Autistic Society, of which Princess Anne is the patron.

The facility, which has been extensively refurbished, provides an autism specific lifelong learning curriculum which includes community skills, social skills, leisure, independent living skills and education.

The Princess Royal will be taken on a private tour and will be asked to unveil a plaque commemorating the opening.

David Nield, locality manager of the Hyndburn Service, said: "We are delighted that HRH The Princess Royal will be officially opening the service. It will be a very memorable day for residents, their families and staff."

Princess Anne will then open the offices for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, of which she is president, which will be the first offices for the charity in Lancashire.

The Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Sandra Hayes, and her consort, Councillor Doug Hayes, will also attend, along with other dignitaries and officials from both charities. Mr Hayes last met the princess when he was mayor two years ago and she opened the New Era complex in Paradise Street.