THE Duke of Gloucester has visited a charity that provides a sensory environment for people with learning disabilities.

The Duke, the Queen's cousin, was at Worcester Snoezelen to commemorate the charity’s 25th anniversary year.

The Duke was accompanied by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, the Honourable Lady Morrison and the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Cassian Roberts.

The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Jabba Riaz, the chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Cllr Brandon Clayton, and the leader of Worcestershire County Council, Cllr Simon Geraghty, joined guests and supporters of the charity, staff and members.

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The Duke of Gloucester gave a speech as he unveiled a commemorative plaque at the centre.

He said:“It is a pleasure to visit. Twenty-five years ago it was felt necessary to start Worcester Snoezelen and 25 years later it has proved the necessity.

"I understand that people come from a long way off and that, as a result, it is overcrowded and you need more space and need more resources.

"This is something which has been developing over many years and there must be ideas from all over the world that entrance those that come here. From this visit I can understand the results and I congratulate you as I unveil the plaque.”

Worcester Snoezelen is a leisure therapy centre for people with learning disabilities and additional needs. The centre, in Turnpike Close, on the University of Worcester St John’s campus, has four sensory ‘Snoezelen’ rooms, a hydro-therapy pool, sensory garden and specialist music and creative arts departments.