SUPPORTERS of a hospice charity were joined by a Royal visitor in celebrating 25-years of service.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne was the VIP guest at an event at Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, to celebrate 25-years of Herriot Hospice Homecare.

The Thirsk-based charity provides vital care services across Hambleton and Richmondshire and the Royal Reception celebrated the positive impact it has had on people’s lives.

The event began with afternoon tea, following which Her Royal Highness arrived to meet guests as part of a sparkling drinks reception.

The Princess Royal spent time talking with a range of guests, including volunteers and staff from the charity’s patient and client services, and volunteers and supporters dedicated to raising vital funds.

Chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare, Tony Collins, explained what the event meant to the charity in its 25th anniversary year.

He said: “We were honoured to mark this significant milestone in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, and the people who make our care possible – our community.

“We extend our sincerest thanks to Her Royal Highness for helping us to make this occasion so very special, and for her good wishes and support as we embark upon the next quarter of a century.

“So many individuals have been part of the legacy of Herriot Hospice Homecare, and continue to be the driving force behind all that we do today.

“As we look to the future, it is no exaggeration to say that we simply couldn’t continue to offer the care local people need, want and deserve without the support of our community.”

At the end of the event a posy was presented to Princess Anne by Herriot supporter, 12-year-old Aleks Stuart.

Aleks raised £440 via a sponsored hair cut in memory of his Grandad Charles Stuart.

He said: “When Grampy was diagnosed with cancer he wanted to stay at home, and Herriot Hospice helped him to do that.”

The hospice offers free care to people affected by terminal illness across 1,000 square miles of North Yorkshire, delivering support in residents’ own homes.

It costs almost £1million to continue the charity’s services across the district.