THERE will be a royal launch for the Weavers Wharf shopping complex in Kidderminster next month.

The £60 million town centre development on the site of the former Brintons carpet factory will be officially opened by the Duke of Kent on Thursday, March 25.

It will be a busy day for the VIP guest, who is a cousin of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

After unveiling a plaque at Weavers Wharf, he will make the short trip to Monitron International which designs and develops traffic management and enforcement systems at its Birchen Coppice Trading Estate headquarters.

The Duke will then move on to Stourport for a tour of the historic canal basins. He will finish with a visit to carpet and rug design studio Forte Cloth which is based in the basins.

The opening of Weavers Wharf is being planned as a family day.

All Kidderminster first schools are taking part in a painting competition on three themes linked to the retail complex - food, water and fashion.

Each school will also be competing for a £500 prize by creating a tapestry depicting the old and new town.

All the winners and groups from their schools will be invited to the official opening to receive their prizes.

David Lewis, of developers Centros Miller, said: "We are delighted that the Duke of Kent will officially be opening Weavers Wharf. The ceremony will highlight its importance in the major regeneration of Kidderminster town centre."

Pauline Hayward, chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, said: "We will be able to show the Duke the environmental benefits of the scheme, especially the improvements to the River Stour and he will see the success of this important scheme which has re- vitalised the town centre."