A LUNCHTIME visit to the borough by the Princess Royal proved to be a low key and informal affair as she took time out of her busy schedule to learn more about mental health issues.

HRH called in at the Salford Mental Health Services Citizens Advice Bureau, which is based in the grounds of Prestwich Hospital, to chat to staff and clients about the unique services on offer.

The bureau is the only one in the North West that deals specifically with mental health issues, and it can provide a whole range of information, advice and assistance to people who are suffering from mental illness.

Dressed warmly yet casually for the frosty weather, in a green checked overcoat, knee high boots and traditional neck scarf, the Princess Royal arrived on time at noon on Tuesday (Jan 9) for a tour of the bureau.

After being met by local dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury Coun Bill Johnson and Mrs Joyce Johnson, the chief executive of Bury Council, Dennis Taylor and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, the Royal visitor was presented with a posy of yellow roses bound by a blue ribbon by 10-year-old Helena Gaskell. The daughter of bureau manager Annette Gaskell, Helena, of Burnley Road, Walmersley, Bury, said that the Princess Royal was delighted with the gift, which represented the official colours of the CAB.

Helena said: "She thanked me for the flowers and said they were very nice, but was confused by the colours of yellow and blue. I wasn't nervous about meeting her, she was just like any other person."

Annette introduced the princess to representatives from Salford NHS Trust, the National Association of CAB and to the major funders.

She said: "The princess was very interested in funding issues and was pleased to see how the bureau had developed over the last 12 months.

"She was very pleasant and very knowledgeable, particularly about mental health issues. Her visit will certainly help to raise the profile of what we do here."

The Princess Royal spent 40 minutes at the Bureau getting to know the staff and enquiring about their work before making her way to her next engagement in Manchester.