THE Countess of Wessex has enjoyed her first visit to Worcester's Arena to watch the national final of the Inclusive Zone Basketball championships.

The Countess was at the final as part of her role as royal patron of the British Wheelchair Basketball, a position she took up after enjoying the sport during the London 2012 games.

She was greeted by local dignitaries and guests including Professor David Green, the vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, Malcolm Tarkenter, the chairman of British Wheelchair Basketball and Sir Philip Craven, the president of the International Paralympic Committee.

Sophie, who married Prince Edward in 1999, was the guest of honour at a lunch and presented the winners and runners-up from schools across the country with their awards.