HUNDREDS of people young and old turned out to welcome the Earl of Wessex to Droitwich.

More than 100 youngsters and their parents lined the path as he arrived at Droitwich Rugby Club to see for himself the youth work carried out at the club.

The Earl, wearing a light grey suit and accompanied by Lord Lieutenant Michael Brinton, was greeted by Wychavon District Council chairman Don Lawley and managing director Jack Hegarty.

He spent half an hour in the Hanbury Road clubhouse where he watched the minis and juniors training while enjoying a buffet lunch before going outside to meet some of the young players.

Club president Rob Bray said: "It was very positive for the club.

"It was a one-off event for us. We've never had anything like that before and I think everybody realised it's recognition for the club.

"It's put us on the map."

Mr Bray said the Earl, a former rugby player himself, was very friendly and charismatic.

Tom Jallands, aged 8, who showed the Earl what Shield Cutnall Green First School had won for tag rugby said: "It was exciting."

Alexander Stallard, aged 12, said: "He asked if we all played rugby.

"He seems nice."

The Earl then moved to the Wychavon Contact Centre in the High Street where he watched footage of the floods before listening to a short presentation from the council's head of community services Phil Merrick.

He met police officers, plus representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Rotary club and Lions club, who helped with recovery efforts.

The Earl then spent an hour zig zagging across the High Street to talk to almost all the flooded traders.

One of those was Henry Brummel, of Henry Brummel Menswear, who said: "He asked me if I'd recovered.

"We had quite a pleasant chat."

He also visited Spa Housing Association's shop to meet flooded residents - some of who have not yet returned home - and staff.

Youngsters from Ombersley First School and Dodderhill School, who created artwork to help decorate the flooded shops, showed the Earl their handiwork.

Among those who met him where Megan Jones, Shauna Maclaren, Hannah Bellamy and Sam Watkins, all aged 9.

Alice Brooks, aged 9, said: "He said hello and asked me about our banner.

"I thought he was very good."

  • To take a look at our picture gallery from the Prince Edward visit, click here.