Two of Barrow’s leading charities received a special royal visitor yesterday.

Project John and Barrow Foodbank welcomed The Princess Royal as she met members of each volunteer team.

The royal visitor first arrived at The Hub’s Project John, a charity which offers supported housing, training and support for young people.

The Princess unveiled a new plaque, officially opening the centre, watched by dignitaries including MP John Woodcock and Barrow Mayor Bill McEwan.

On arrival she was greeted by charity manager Nicola Kell, who said: “This is a great honour for a member of the Royal family to officially open our wonderful new building.

“This is about celebrating and recognising the achievements we have had in the last 12 months from getting the building, buying it and renovating it, but also to the achievements we have had supporting the young people of Barrow for 25 years now.

“When we started to develop the project we wanted a centre where we can work in partnership with other agencies so that young people can get the support they need to become independent and successful members of society.”

Mr Woodcock also praised the project. He said: “What Project John do is so essential and I’m delighted that they’ve been given recognition by the Princess Royal."

Kelsey Jefferson, 20, who is supported by Project John said: “I basically rely on Project John for my support because I don’t have anyone else. Everyone here has just been spot on.”

Following the visit to Project John, The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Barrow Foodbank on Abbey Road.

She was welcomed by project manager Ann Mills who took the special guest on a tour of the facility and was met by volunteers Carol Warwick and Anne Johnston.

Mrs Warwick said: “She was very easy to talk to and seemed very interested in the foodbank and keen to learn everyone’s role.”

Mrs Johnston added: “She was very interested about the rucksack project we’re involved in which provides essentials for the homeless.”

The event was catered by students at Furness College, who provided hand-designed cakes, finger sandwiches and chocolate treats.

Jayne Moorby, communications officer for the foodbank, said: “We were honoured to receive a visit from The Princess Royal, this is a prestigious testament to the hard work of the whole Foodbank team.”

The Princess, who had early visited a factory in West Cumbria, concluded her day in the area with a visit to a charity shop Kirkby Lonsdale.