HEALTH care professionals were honoured by the Princess Royal this week.

Princess Anne presented the Evidence in Practice awards, hosted by the Bath and Swindon Research and Development Support Unit, which recognises people who use modern medical research for the benefit of patients.

The award ceremony was at the Greenways Conference Centre in Chippenham.

Mark Vernon, 23, a Wiltshire Health Promotion specialist who holds a masters degree in sports science, was the overall winner for his work in trying to find ways of reducing coronary heart disease.

After the ceremony, the Princess Royal was taken on a tour of the Chippenham Ambulance headquarters, which included a visit to the control centre.

Control centre manager Richard Claridge said he was impressed by the Princess Royal's knowledge.

Mr Claridge said: "She was asking lots of questions and obviously knew her stuff she was very well informed."

The Princess was shown how calls were received, how it was decided which vehicles to send, the predictive analysis information and plans for the new joint control centre.

She was present when two emergency calls were received, and watched with great interest as the drama unfolded.

Mr Claridge has already received a letter of thanks from the Princess, which he says confirmed her obvious interest in the tour.

Princess Anne also spoke at length to all the finalists and support unit staff. Organiser Dr Vicky Wood said everyone was impressed by her genuine interest and knowledge.