A major milestone has been met as a member of the royal family officially opened a facility in Gloucester.

HRH The Princess Royal visited the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub yesterday (January 8), and recognised the efforts of volunteers from the Hub's partners and their impact in the local community.

The Princess was welcomed by Edward Gillespie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire to the newly-refurbished building in Alvin Street, Gloucester.

During her visit, The Princess was introduced to the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Charles Martell, the Mayor of Gloucester Cllr Joanne Brown, the Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council Cllr Andrew Gravells, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Mark Hurrell and County Archivist Heather Forbes.

The Princess received a tour of the Heritage Hub building and spoke to staff and volunteers from Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucestershire Family History Society, Gloucestershire Police History Project, Gloucestershire Local History Association, Gloucestershire County History Trust, Gloucester Rugby Heritage Group, the Friends of the Archives group, as well as project funders.

She also had the opportunity to view displays of historic documents relating to her home, Gatcombe Park, and a selection of royal charters. The Princess concluded her visit by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, cabinet member responsible for Gloucestershire Archives, said, "We are very proud to welcome Her Royal Highness to our Heritage Hub facility. The building has already welcomed visitors from all walks of life in the local community; from local school children to dementia groups looking to learn about how we gather, keep and share history. I would once again like to thank staff and volunteers for making this project come to fruition."

Heather Forbes, head of the archives service at Gloucestershire County Council and South Gloucestershire Council, said: "Gloucestershire County Council and our partners were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to commend the volunteering, community and partnership projects now possible in our new facilities. I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon celebrating what has been achieved so far and looking forward to a very positive future for our archives service."