DOZENS of police and security men were on duty when Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, dropped into work at Golborne to visit a local factory and collect a £2,000 cheque for the Save the Children Fund.

The Princess spent an hour at Angelica International, just 200 yards from Golborne town centre, which specialises in making workwear.

A crocodile line of specially invited pupils from nearby Golborne High School formed a guard of honour as she was met at the gate by the Lord Lieutenant who presented her to local dignitaries, including the mayor Cllr Bernard Holt; the mayoress Susan Evans; local MP Ian McCartney; Stephen Jones, Chief Executive of Wigan Council; the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, David Wilmot, and senior officials from the company, including Managing Director Eric Hudson, and the company's president and chief executive Larry Young, who had flown in specially from the company's American headquarters in St Louis, Missouri.

Wearing a dark blue jacket, a green top, tartan skirt and court shoes, the princess, who is also president of the British Knitting and Clothing Export Council, was given a guided tour of the company's warehouse, cutting room, design room, sewing unit and canteen.

She spoke briefly to Josie Newall of Stout Street, Leigh, a supervisor on Angelica's surgical line, which makes hospital gowns and clothing for operating theatres.

She said: "The princess was lovely. She made us feel so at ease when she chatted to me, just like she would chat to anyone else! It was a bit nerve racking but I really enjoyed her visit."

Among other employees who watched the princess go by was Robert Crompton of Telford Crescent, who added: "I think everyone's a bit nervous, but you don't get a royal visit every day, so I suppose it's understandable."

At the end of the tour the princess unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit, signed the visitor's book, and was given a gift of two bodywarmers made specially for her by machinists of the company's specials department under the supervision of Leigh man Stephen Lloyd.

As the princess drove away with a full police escort, a delighted Eric Hudson said: "We are absolutely thrilled at the visit of Her Royal Highness. It is our first royal visit and reflects the growing importance of Angelica International. It was a hugely successful day!"

And final word came from Larry Young who added: "This was my first time of meeting a real royal princess, and even for a staunch republican like myself it was a real thrill for me personally and great for the status of the company which employs so many local people."

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