THE Princess received a warm welcome when she stopped off in Chippenham to visit Victim Support Wiltshire.

A crowd of royal fans and well-wishers turned out in the High Street on Monday to greet her when she arrived at the town hall at 1pm.

The Princess, who is president of the National Association of Victim Support Schemes, launched Victim Support Wiltshire's new service for witnesses giving evidence in magistrates' courts.

She drove herself to Chippenham in a Range Rover, and drew up in front of the town hall. She stepped out to the cheers of people waiting in the High Street, many of whom were waving flags.

Lucy Craig and Imogen Newton, both aged three and from Chippenham, presented her with posies as she walked to the town hall steps.

Mums Jackie Craig and Sue Newton said they were delighted the princess received the gifts. "We had flowers for the Queen when she visited Chippenham, but she never reached us in the High Street, so this helps make up for it," said Mrs Newton.

The Princess was welcomed to the town hall by town clerk Laurie Brown, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chippenham, Coun Richard and Karin Meek.

She was escorted upstairs where Francis Wakem, chair of the board of trustees for Victim Support Wiltshire, made a welcome speech.

"It is a great honour for Victim Support Wiltshire to welcome you to our scheme," he said.

"We are privileged that you have been able to include this visit within your demanding schedule."

A gathering of Victim Support Wiltshire volunteers and workers listened to a presentation by Kim Swinden, senior co-ordinator, and her staff team, outlining the work of the service.

Princess Anne then addressed the assembly, extending her thanks for the presentation.

She praised the group for all its efforts in setting up the new service.

She said that its success would mean plenty more work in the future.

"Without its volunteers, the service would not exist," she said.

"To have volunteers come forward makes such a difference, and I have to say it is because they are volunteers that it makes a difference.

"They extend the hand of friendship and a listening ear because they want to and that makes a difference to the user."

She said the success of the service had its drawback leading to increased demand, and requiring more work.

"Thank you for rising to the challenge of the magistrates' courts.

"But also for being ready to take on the challenge that will follow from being such a success," she said.

Afterwards the Princess Royal shared a buffet lunch with volunteers and staff from Victim Support Wiltshire.