Royal visitor for Lancashire police and county hall workers

Royal engagement: Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex with Ian Cartwright, of Dine Contract Catering, accepting a minibus on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at County Hall in Preston

He attended the official handover of a new minibus for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and to open Lancashire Police’s new Force Control Room.

Prince Edward attended County Hall in the city for the presentation of the vehicle from Dine Contract Catering in Warrington.

The sponsored bus will allow even more schools and youth groups to join the challenging expeditions organised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

HRH Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex visited County Hall in Preston to accept a minibus on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The earl greets the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston Councillor Nick and Barbara Pomfret.

He thanked the Warrington-based catering company for its support in helping young people.

Ian Cartwright, Dine Contract Catering’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the new minibus and help even more young people across Britain achieve their Bronze, Silver or Gold awards. The work of this brilliant charity links back with the ethos of our own company – to help provide young people in the catering sector with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to forge successful careers in the future.

“To this end, each of the new apprentices we take on every year are given the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award and we’re very proud of those from last year’s intake who have chosen to progress to the Gold Award.”

The Award is aimed at giving young people the life and work skills they need to reach their full potential. Many of those who benefit are from a disadvantaged background.

He also visited Lancashire Police’s force headquarters in Hutton to formally open its Force Control Room.

He arrived by helicopter and was taken on a tour around the control room before unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark its opening.

Chief superintendent Sarah Oldham, head of contact management at Lancashire Constabulary said: “We were delighted to welcome HRH Prince Edward to our Force Control Room here in Hutton.

“It was wonderful to have him formally open the room and an exciting occasion for all involved.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “I am delighted to welcome HRH to Lancashire and for him to visit the force seeing for himself how technology is helping us in fighting crime and improving our communications with the public.”