Princess Anne visits North Devon

A Royal visit is normally a cause for celebration - and today was no exception in Barnstaple, when the Princess Royal opened a new play park as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment:

Princess Anne has unveiled a plaque at Clovelly, marking the death of 21 men in a sea disaster there in 1838. As well as speaking to the descendants of those mariners, and local fishermen, she is also meeting the Shipwreck Mariners Society's supporters and volunteers.

The charity began here in Clovelly after the 1838 tragedy and over 175 years has supported hundreds of thousands of mariners and their families in need.

Princess Anne walked down to the harbour along the famous cobbled street in Clovelly: a test for many due to its steepness and uneven surface.

Princess Anne is a keen horsewoman and took great interest in the village donkeys that had transported goods up and down the steep sloped village for centuries. They are no longer working animals and are now used as a tourist attraction.

HRH The Princess Royal has officially switched on the Diamond Jubilee Fountain at Clovelly at the start of her North Devon visit today. The fountain has been newly restored and is dedicated to her mother HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Princess Anne will be in North Devon today. The Princess Royal will be in Clovelly to open a fountain in honour of the Queen. She'll also unveil a plaque in remembrance of mariners who lost their lives near the town in the 19th century.

This afternoon she'll move on to Barnstaple to open a new play park.