IN PICTURES: Princess Anne visits Himley Hall Sailing Club

Princess Anne arrived at Himley Hall Sailing Club, in the grounds of Himley Hall, by helicopter before being ferried to the lakeside by car where marquees had been set up.

She was met by civic dignitaries before chatting to some of the club's founder members.

During the visit, the Princess Royal congratulated the club on being named as one of the top-five finalists in the Royal Yachting Association's prestigious Club of the Year.

She also praised the hard work of the club's volunteers.

The Princess Royal then took a look at a new landing area built by members of the club and watched as youngsters from Ellowes Hall Sports College, Lower Gornal, showed their sailing skills.

The school has put sailing on its curriculum and sessions are held at the sailing club.

Princess Anne also unveiled a plaque marking the occasion and signed the visitors book.

And at the end of the visit she cut a cake baked especially for the occasion by club member of 14 years Becky Harding, of Pensnett.

The Princess Royal praised the cake.

"Has everybody seen this?" She said.

"It is absolutely wonderful. It is gross vandalism to cut it."

Becky, 28, said she was delighted the cake had been so well received.

"It was absolutely incredible and so exciting. I'm so pleased she liked the cake, she said.

The Princess was given gifts of a bowl made from wood from the site and created by club development officer Tony Sutton. She also received a bouquet of flowers.

During the visit, Princess Anne also spoke to club founding members Mike and Dorothy Willetts, of Stourbridge, who said it had been a wonderful occasion.

Mrs Willetts, 76, who has been club commodore five times, said: "She was very friendly and so easy to talk to. It was a real honour."

Princess Anne also met with club member Lucy Griffiths, of Stourton.

She said: "She made a joke about the strongest wind on the day being the draught from her helicopter as she arrived.

"It was a very still day but the students were still able to get out on the water."

Club development officer Tony Sutton said: "The club has done a lot of hard work and we are very proud of its achievements and this has been the culmination of that."

The club has around 100 members.

Marquees were put up around the site in preparation for the royal visit. Army cadets, also from Ellowes Hall, helped run the event.

Civic dignitaries were also on hand to meet the Princess Royal including the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson and High Sheriff of Staffordshire Johnny Leavesley.

Other dignitaries at the visit were Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire Nicholas Baker an Dudley's Mayor Councillor Steve Waltho.

Members of the club said they had invited Princess Anne to visit and see what they had achieved.