CHEERING children, waving flags and brass band music created a happy atmosphere as the Princess Royal arrived in Blackpool.

The royal VIP was in town to officially open what she described as a "very important project".

She arrived at the Salvation Army's new Bridge Centre, a community centre and help unit for the homeless based at the SA's citadel building on Raikes Parade, on Tuesday (September 17).

Wearing a long grey-green jacket with blue collar, blue skirt, black court shoes and her trademark black gloves the princess was perfectly attired for the warm but overcast afternoon.

And despite running half-an-hour late after a morning engagement at Preston, the princess appeared relaxed and took time to chat with many of the clients, staff and volunteers at the Bridge Centre.

One client, 41-year-old Mick Tokely, shook hands with the royal visitor. He said: "We chatted about how long I have been here and how me and my girlfriend were hoping for a new start.

"She is a very nice lady, and she doesn't come across like that on the television. She seems quite human and I'm glad she let me shake her hand."

Princess Anne also met a group of two and three-year-olds and their supervisors in the Busy Bee pre-school group upstairs from the basement Bridge Centre.

Supervisor Carol Webb told the princess: "We have got the children to make you a book while they have been learning about you and who your mum is."

Princess Anne smiled as she looked at the work and asked the children if they were nice to each other, but politely declined an invitation to sign their book.

At the end of the tour, she was led into the citadel's main hall where she unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and enjoyed traditional SA entertainment including a tambourine routine and music from the junior choir.

Blackpool SA leader Major Derek Tyrell and the North West's divisional commander Major Marion Drew both welcomed the princess saying her presence was a "a privilege".

She responded by telling them she was "delighted" to be there, saying the Bridge Centre was a "very important project".

She added: "My congratulations to everyone who has made this possible. This is evidence that you are here for the long term and there will be many more people who will benefit from the generosity of others and the service of many."