The sound of workmen drilling a nearby road and a brisk breeze greeted the Princess Royal when she arrived in Wisbech today to visit the Octavia Hill Birthplace House.

A small crowd of 35 people gathered outside the house in South Brink as Princess Anne arrived in a black Jaguar at around 10.50am.

The royal, wearing a green suit with red stripes, was greeted by Richard Barnwell, the new High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Wisbech mayor Nick Meekins, and cllr Ralph Butcher, chairman of Fenland District Council before having a tour of the building.

Princess Anne then officially opened the new education centre and library at the Georgian Grade II listed building, which is the only museum that tells the story of social reformer Octavia Hill.

The museum shows her fight against poverty and disease and her quest to bring peace and beauty into the lives of ordinary people.

Octavia Hill is considered to be the founder of modern social work and was a pioneer of affordable housing as well as being an artist.

This morning's opening ceremony is part of a busy day for Princess Anne in the eastern counties.

She is also due to open new facilities at The British Racing School in Newmarket, and open the garden area at the Felixstowe Seafarers Centre.

*Read tomorrow's EDP for the full story of the royal visit.