Anne unveils seafront plaque

11:00am Thursday 5th April 2007

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THE red carpet was rolled out in Lyme Regis as Princess Anne officially opened the town's multi-million pound environmental improvements scheme.

She opened phase two of the West Dorset District Council scheme, offering long-term protection for homes and businesses against destructive landslides, coastal erosion and storm damage.

Speaking as she unveiled a plaque on the seafront, Princess Anne said: "My congratulations go to everybody who has been involved and also to the residents of Lyme Regis for their patience and courtesy."

The public lined the walkways to watch the princess as she observed the works.

Rhianne Webb, 11, presented her with a bunch of flowers.

"I was excited to see her and I thought it was nice for her to open it up," she said. Project manager Nick Browning said: "It was an excellent day - the weather obviously helped a lot. There were local people and holidaymakers about who were very positive and cheerful and the Princess Royal couldn't have been more positive too. She was very friendly and very interested in the scheme."

The works include a replenished sand and shingle beach and extensive drainage of the town's seafront gardens to help prevent landslides.