PRINCESS Anne was in Malvern last week to open a new home for deafblind young people.

It was an informal visit and the Princess Royal arrived in a dark blue Range Rover, which she drove herself, parking outside the new home, Tanglewood, in Albert Road South.

Accompanied by her lady-in-waiting and two body guards and wearing a green tweed coat with velvet collar and cuffs, she was greeted by civic dignitaries and representatives of Sense, the charity which runs the home.

The princess, who has been patron of the deafblind charity for more than 15 years, said Tanglewood had a "wonderful atmosphere" and would provide a "real and genuine home" for residents, giving them security for the rest of their lives.

The home, which will eventually accommodate seven young people with sensory impairments, some with additional physical and mental disabilities, has been specially adapted to suit the needs of young deafblind people.

Richard Pearson, the first resident to move in, met the princess during her visit.

His father, David Pearson, said:"This place is brilliant for Richard. He's very active and loves to go walking in the hills."

Richard, now in his 30s, has been deafblind since he suffered a stroke following surgery when he was just four years old. Although deaf, he likes to play loud music because he can pick up the vibrations.

His parents discovered Sense through its children's summer holiday programme and Richard previously lived at a Sense home in Birmingham.

The princess was shown around the home and chatted at length with staff, residents and Sense supporters.

She also met some of Sense's 'communicator guides'.

The guides are a new service to help people with acquired deafblindness, often older people, to get out and about.

Julie Goldrick, who works with deafblind people in Worcestershire, said: "The princess was really lovely. She was so chatty and friendly and knew all about what Sense does."

Navy veteran Horace Branson, who uses the Worcestershire communicator guide service, teased the Princess about holding the title of admiral in the Royal Navy.

In the navy himself during Second World War, the 84-year-old said he had never been promoted that high.

The princess joked that she was not quite sure how she had managed it but was pleased to have a higher rank than either of her brothers, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.

Michael Jones, who also uses the communicator guides, talked to the princess about how the service enabled him to go swimming and visit the gym.

The princess said that this new service was exactly what many deafblind people needed, because their main problem was communication.

Before leaving, the princess unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Sense is a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind, providing information, family and community support and residential homes.