THE Duchess of Gloucester has completed a three-stop tour of Worcestershire.

Starting in Worcester, the Duchess visited Acorns Children's Hospice in Bath Road and the Motov8 charity in Gregory's Mill Street, before heading to Pershore to officially open the new community hospital and medical centre.

Dressed in a cornflower- blue suit with a gold brooch bearing the initials R and B - thought to stand for her name, Brigitte, and her husband Richard - she spent time with bereaved families who are still receiving support from Acorns. She then unveiled a plaque celebrating that all 10 beds at the hospice are now in use.

She was presented with a posy of yellow roses and blue irises by six-year-old Yasmin Miller-Douglas. She also met June Sayce, aged 82, who with her late husband Willie donated the land on which the hospice stands.

Mrs Sayce said: "I am very proud. It has been one of the happiest days of my life being able to see it officially opened and meet the Duchess.

"She told me I had done a wonderful thing."

The Duchess then visited Motov8 in Barbourne, Worcester - a charity that gets disaffected young people interested in education through mechanics.

Sam Sinderberry, aged 38, of Malvern, has been involved with Motov8 for five years and is now an assistant manager.

The royal visitor opens Pershore's new community hospital and medical centre. "It's fantastic to have somebody show an interest in what we do," he said.

She then went on to open Pershore Hospital and Medical Centre, where she was met by Pershore Mayor Val Wood and chairman of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust Dr Bryan Smith.

Dr Smith said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Duchess agreed to officially open the hospital