MALVERN was in the presence of royalty as the Duke of Gloucester paid a visit to the town this week.

His Royal Highness' helicopter touched down at the Three Counties Showground, and from there he was chauffeured through the town to his first visiting destination- Malvern Cube.

The Duke gave his royal seal of approval to the community centre, and as well as having a tour of the place, met a number of the community groups who regularly use the venue.

One of the groups was a table tennis team and after seeing them in action, he couldn't resist picking up a racket himself.

Jon White, manager of the Albert Road North Road centre, said: "It was really nice to have him here, and a great opportunity for us to have high-profile people visit us.

"It was also really good for the community groups to meet him, and for him to see what it is we do here. It's testament to the hard work that goes on here in keeping this place going.

"He can certainly hold his own in table tennis too. He played against some good players, but he's pretty good himself."

After his visit to Malvern Cube concluded he visited Morgan Motor Company, in Malvern Link.

He was shown around the production factory by managing director Steve Morris, and was introduced to some of the craftsmen and women who produce the iconic cars.

Apprentice sewing machinist, Steph Lewis, presented The Duke with a leather bound copy of the Morgan 3 Wheeler book as he was shown around the Trim Shop, and Mr Morris displayed the recently completed production line that will be used for building the new Aero 8 before introducing apprentices Lewis Potter and Adam Cole.

The tour of the production facility finished in the museum, where Archivist Martyn Webb gave The Duke a quick introduction to Morgan’s unique history.

His visit was concluded with a drive in a car of the Duke's choice. He picked a 3-Wheeler which he drove back to the helicopter.

Mr Morris said: "It was an honour to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to Pickersleigh Road. There is always a buzz around the factory when we have a royal visitor and it was fantastic to see The Duke engaging with our staff during the tour.

"As always, these visits are only made possible by hard work behind the scenes on both sides and I would like to thank everyone involved."

He was accompanied by Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Patrick Holcroft, Malvern mayor and mayoress Julian I’Anson and Helen I’Anson and others.