HUNDREDS of youngsters greeted Princess Anne last week, when she officially opened Preston's new multi-million pound sports arena -- but she didn't stop to say even hello.

As a biting wind blew around the massive 65-acre complex at Cottam, Preston, anxious pupils from local schools waited patiently to show off their sporting talents.

But unfortunately Her Royal Highness didn't have time to stop to watch their football, cycling and athletics demonstrations.

"We have been building up to this for weeks," said one headteacher. "But the Princess just walked straight past.

"The children have practised for hours in the cold. They are bitterly disappointed."

Her Royal Highness did, however, get a chance to watch the rugby match taking place at the arena -- and was curious to know why there were no rugby posts!

Embarrassed officials from the university explained they hadn't had time to put them up for the match, which was tipped as the highlight of HRH's visit. The princess also presented winners of tie -- between the University and the town's Preston Grasshoppers side -- with a trophy and spoke to some of the players.

Her visit, last Thursday, was to officially open the centre, which received an £8 million lottery grant.

But the Princess Royal declined to make a speech during the unveiling, and left the stage quickly after revealing the plaque.

"She was obviously in a hurry," remarked one university official.

With its state-of-the-art premier league standard football pitch -- one of only six in the country and the only one available for community use -- seven other pitches, eight-lane athletic track, two all-weather pitches and four tennis courts, the university is hoping its new centre will attract the country's top sporting students.

It has taken 18 months to build, and also includes a cricket square, covered training area and a 1.5km cycle circuit.

Jan Peace, the development manager, said: "This will benefit the community and the university.

"The pitches are already booked up next season by local clubs, while we hope this centre will help create better sportsmen for the future."