HRH The Princess Royal visited Halton Carers Centre in Runcorn on Tuesday to see first-hand the work carried out by the team and meet some of the people who have benefitted from the service.

During her tour of the facilities, Princess Anne listened to a performance of Castle on a Cloud and One Day More from Les Misérables by the Ella Performance Group – a group for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

HRH, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit, was presented with a posy by 46-year-old Andrew Telford.

Linda Mannion, 69, who cares for her husband, was delighted to be given the opportunity to meet Princess Anne.

She said “The princess was lovely.

“She asked about my caring role and I was able to tell her about the support from the carers centre where the staff always give us time.

“Her Royal Highness is extremely knowledgeable about carers and their issues.”

Halton Carers Centre offers a range of respite therapies and activities and provides a place where carers can go for advice, advocacy, support and friendship.

During her visit, the princess was given a tour of the new extended premises and met funders, trustees, staff and therapists who deliver the services, together with the many unpaid carers.

This included a group of young carers who are supported by the centre.

Princess Anne also met the chairman of Halton Carers Centre Michael Shepherd and chief executive Carl Harris, who accompanied her throughout the visit.

Mr Shepherd said: “Unpaid carers are dedicated people who often have to balance their caring role with work and education.

“For some caring can be an extremely isolating experience with the potential for unpaid carers to feel depressed, tired, anxious and disempowered.

“Our carers say that having relevant, up-to-date information about services that offer help and support is crucial.

“It can make the difference between finding support and being able to cope and feeling isolated and alone

“It is a tremendous boost for everyone that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has devoted so much time and energy to championing the cause of unpaid carers.”