WILTSHIRE dignitaries were kept waiting yesterday when the train failed to take the strain and delayed an official visit to Devizes by the Duchess of Gloucester.

She was an hour later than expected because the train taking her from London to Swindon hit mechanical problems.

But there were still smiles all round when the duchess, wearing a beige three-quarter length coat and brown suede shoes, arrived by car from the station to open the Wiltshire Emergency Communications Centre in the grounds of the Devizes police headquarters.

After her flying visit to the £7 million centre, housing the fire, police and ambulance control operators, she moved on to open the new almshouses complex in nearby St James Gardens.

At the communications centre the duchess was met by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire David Newbigging, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, and the chairman of Wiltshire County Council Jerry Willmott. She was also met by Coun Peter Veasey, the chairman of Kennet District Council, and Devizes Mayor Paula Winchcombe.

A posy of flowers was presented by 13-year-old Emily Brake, daughter of one of the ambulance controllers.

"The duchess was really nice," said Emily afterwards. "She asked if I had had the day off school and I said yes. It was a really nice experience."

The duchess then turned to the Chief Constable of Wiltshire, Dame Elizabeth Neville, and apologised for being late.

Also waiting to meet the duchess were the chief fire officer Neil Wright and the chief executive of the Wiltshire Ambulance Trust Tim Skelton, plus Bertie Woolnough, the chairman of the Wiltshire Police Authority.

After being briefed by Phil Appleby, the deputy chief fire officer, she was given a tour of the communications centre, where she talked to ambulance staff, fire staff, and police staff.

Fire control operator Dee Scutter was introduced to the duchess. Ms Scutter said: "She was a lovely lady. She asked how we felt about moving to the new headquarters."

The duchess marked her visit by unveiling a plaque, and said: "I should like to thank Dame Elizabeth and everyone present for their warm welcome in spite of my horrible lateness."

She added: "It is a very special and unusual centre and one which will no doubt be of great significance in Wiltshire for many years to come."

At the end of her visit, the duchess was driven to the St James almhouses complex, where she was shown round by the chairman of the Devizes Almshouse Charity, Derek Elliott.

Also there to greet her were Lady Benson and Lady Waterlow of the National Association of Almshouses, the Rev Chris Tebbutt, architects Barry Taylor and David Sharp, and builder Vince Gaiger.