HRH the Duchess of Gloucester arrived in Haverfordwest today to officially open a permanent base for St John Ambulance in Pembrokeshire.

Division members and cadets gathered at the new premises at Salutation Square, Haverfordwest to welcome HRH Brigitte Eva, wife of HRH Richard, Duke of Gloucester.

The Duchess, who is Commandant-in-Chief of St John Ambulance, watched demonstrations of first aid, introduced by Pembrokeshire cadet of the year Jason Venables-John, and was presented with flowers by 11-year-old Sophie Smith from Haverfordwest.

As well as meeting cadets and members the Duchess unveiled a commemorative plaque to be hung in the building, which is the county's first permanent base for the training of St John Ambulance members.

"It is a pleasure to be here today and see this room so full of St John members and to congratulate everyone who has been instrumental in making this centre possible," said the Duchess.

Local dignitaries including Pembrokeshire County Council chairman, Cllr Anne Hughes and chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, Haverfordwest mayor, Cllr James Campbell and AM Paul Davies joined St John Cymru chief executive Keith Dunn and Pembrokeshire chairman Geoffrey Philipps in welcoming the Duchess to the centre.

The Duchess presented Commandant-in-chief awards to 19-year-old cadet Richard Smith of the Port Talbot division and seven-year-old Llywelyn Bowmer, of Clydach, who is a member of his local Badger Sett, the St John division for five to ten-year-olds.

Following her visit to the St John centre Her Royal Highness was taken on a tour of Portfield School.