YOUNGSTERS standing in the rain got a glimpse of Princess Anne as she and her riding companions passed by just yards away yesterday.

But pupils at Cliviger Holme Primary School, Burnley, who had lined the playground walls in the hope of being able to show the Princess Royal some of their work were disappointed.

She simply nodded and said "good morning" twice before continuing her journey to the warmth of Dyneley Hall, Cliviger, the home of Sir Simon and Lady Towneley.

The Queen's only daughter arrived at Hurstwood car park in the royal Jaguar Daimler before mounting a grey hunting horse called Gary, one of four horses provided by George Dickinson, of Haslingden.

She was escorted along the Pennine Bridleway, to Holme Chapel, to see at first hand the work of the British Horse Society, of which she is president.

Wearing jodhpurs, a headscarf and a waterproof jacket, she arrived earlier than planned and caught some bystanders on the hop.

Princess Anne is pictured talking to Lady Towneley (right) and other officials before her bridleway ride.