THE Duke of Edinburgh dropped in on Pershore yesterday to officially open Number 8, Pershore Community Arts Centre.

Crowds lined the High Street as Prince Philip arrived by car from his helicopter which landed in Abbey Park, and there were even more people hoping to catch a glimpse of the town's royal visitor when he left the building 45 minutes later.

During that time, the Duke toured the building, met people involved in the conception and completion of the scheme as well as many of the sponsors, fund-raisers and the centre's voluntary workers.

He was treated to a musical item by members of Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society and a ballet display by pupils of theWorcester-based Symphony Dance School, which organises classes in the town.

The Duke also unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion and signed a commemorative book.

Jane Daniels, chairman of Number 8, said: "Everything went very smoothly. The Duke of Edinburgh spoke to nearly everybody as he toured the building and showed a great sense of humour.

"He was very warm and friendly and was genuinely interested in what we had done and what we plan for the future.""

Managing director of Number 8 Ray Steadman added: "It was a lovely occasion. The Prince was in very good form, chatting to everyone and it made the occasion very special indeed.""

Judy and Stuart Megarry, who co-founded Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society in 1989, were among 21 people who sang One Day More from the hit musical Les Miserables for Prince Philip.

Said Mrs Megarry: "It was extremely well-received. The Duke seemed thrilled.

"He talked to every one of us and was very amiable, interested and witty. He seemed to think we were all marvellous."

One of the dancers, Karen Roberts, aged 19, who joined Symphony Dance at the age of four and is now training to be a dance teacher, said: "It was nice to be chosen. It was nerve-wracking at first, but the Duke made it as relaxed as possible."

Dance school principal Denise Tyler said: "He was very nice and very friendly and put everybody at ease.

"He asked whether any of them would like to go on to become professional dance-rs or whether they just did it to keep themselves fit.

"He was just very pleasant with them, very relaxed and friendly."

OPINION: PAGE SIX