CHILDREN and staff at the David Lewis Centre, in Warford, were given the royal treatment on Tuesday when HRH Sophie Countess of Wessex made a flying visit.
Sophie Wessex hovered into the grounds by helicopter at 11.15am to be greeted by crowds of residents and carers hoping to catch a glimpse of the eagerly awaited royal visitor.
She was officially welcomed by HM Lord Lieutenant for Cheshire, William Bromley Davenport, and then met with other local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Macclesfield, Jim Crockatt and the Mayoress Ina Crockatt, before setting off on her relaxed tour of the buildings and grounds.
Her first stop was the Residents' Club where she briefly spoke with some of the adults before making a slight detour to chat to 16-year-old resident, Amy, and her two carers Hayley Carr, 21, and Ruth Clay, 22 who had come to watch the spectacle.
Hayley said: "She asked how long we had worked here and if we enjoy the job. She seemed very nice and genuine."
The low-key affair also incorporated a tour of the centre's new building for 16 to 19 year olds which was formally opened by the countess.
She took a tour around the new facilities in the building and met with some of the teenagers before unveiling a plaque and cutting the ribbon outside.
The countess then made one final visit to the centre's college, which prepares young people for independent living in the community, before leaving at 12.20pm.
The chief executive of David Lewis Centre, John Murdoch, said: "We were absolutely delighted to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex to The David Lewis Centre.
"We feel very privileged that she took the time to open our new 16-19 building at school and tour the Residents' Club and college."
Pauline Greenall, head of the 16-19 department, added: "All our children loved meeting HRH The Countess of Wessex. She was very relaxed and really interacted with the children and the work they were doing. There were plenty of photos taken and everyone had a great time."
