CAMILLA the Duchess of Cornwall was a treat in tartan when she stopped in Marlborough to officially open Prospect Hospice’s new outreach centre.

She arrived in good spirits having dashed from meeting youngsters at Forest and Sandridge Primary School in Melksham to the outreach centre at Savernake Hospital just before midday today.

The centre, which opened last year, was funded thanks to the Marlborough community who rallied together and raised £260,000 in under four months. Gazette readers donated almost £160,000.

The Duchess, who was dressed in a green ensemble with a tartan blazer, green skirt and suede boots, is president of the charity and left a lasting impression on those she met as she was given a tour around the centre.

Speaking in front of volunteers, patients, staff and supporters after unveiling the plaque, she said: “I just want to congratulate everyone who has been involved. I cannot believe how much money has been raised in such a short space of time, that doesn't happen very often.

"There's nothing but praise for this place and all you volunteers, I can't believe there's so many of you, it just shows how good it is to have so many volunteering.

“You have done such a fantastic job and thank you very much for having me here. If I had a glass of champagne I would toast it.”

Terminally ill patients can now visit the centre in Marlborough, instead of the hospice's main headquarters in Wroughton near Swindon, to receive treatments like complimentary therapy, physiotherapy and advice on nutrition.

One of the patients the Duchess sat down to speak to in the art therapy room was Sandie Morgan, 63, from Swindon, who has bowel cancer. She said: “She was so down to earth and totally different to how I thought she would be.

“I had butterflies, I still do now. I have never met royalty and she shook my hand and was lovely.”

Burbage Primary School pupil Elizabeth Renshaw, 11, had the honour of presenting the Duchess with a posy of cream and white flowers. The youngster was chosen for her help in Burbage’s huge fundraising appeal for the charity.

She said: "It was actually not as scary as I thought because I was really nervous. I was very excited to meet her.

“I am really proud of myself and everyone said my curtsy was really good. I can’t wait to tell my mum and dad.”

The Duchess also shared a joke with Jo Hyde, a carer and family support coordinator for Prospect Hospice, that it was too early for a glass of gin, as she was offered a cup of tea from a pot decorated with the words ‘There may be gin in here’.

Ms Hyde said: "I asked the Duchess if it was too early for gin, and she agreed it was."

The Duchess, who was beaming ear to ear throughout the visit shook hands and asked individuals about their role at the outreach centre, such as Janet Louth, chairman of Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community who gave £20,000 towards the appeal.

The 68-year-old also stopped to chat to Ramsbury couple Jenny, 67, and Keith Mantle, 67, who volunteer to run the minibus.

Mrs Mantle, a retired receptionist at St John’s Academy in Marlborough, said: “She has a lovely sense of humour. I think she is delighted by everyone’s enthusiasm that we did this for Marlborough. She was very easy to talk to and interested in what people’s roles are.

“The community support in setting this up has been phenomenal and it is a wonderful centre.”

Val Clowes, 77, a retired legal secretary who lives in Burbage, is another volunteer. She said: “I think the Duchess’ visit will give the centre the high profile and let local people know it is here. It is such a lovely, relaxing place to be.

“I lost my husband Graham two years ago to cancer and he had home help from Prospect Hospice and they were absolutely fantastic. That is the reason I wanted to volunteer, to give something back.”

Another family who know the importance of the new centre is couple Dawn and Mike Aldridge, of Cardigan Road, Marlborough. Mr Aldridge, 76 has Parkinsons and had a stroke three years ago. He visits the day therapy room every week.

They were chosen to sit down and have a cup of tea with the Duchess during her visit.

Mrs Aldridge, 70, who is a full-time carer for her husband said: “She was just relaxed from the word go.

“It is great the facility is here. They care for both of us and are so thoughtful.”

Chief executive of Prospect Hospice Angela Jordan added: "It has been a great pleasure to welcome HRH the Duchess of Cornwall to offically open our new outreach centre.

"The Duchess' visit highlights the fact we are now making our outreach services available to people who live in Marlborough and the surrounding area.

"We are glad that the people of this community clearly shared our view that bringing our care and support closer was a significant development."

See more pictures here.