A plaque marking the official opening of Number 8 was unveiled by the Duke of Edinburgh, who went on to sign a commemorative book.

The duke was invited to perform the ceremony by project chairman Jane Daniels, after being being treated to a number of displays by local music and dance groups groups.

The royal visitor had first been met by Lord Lieutenant Michael Brinton, the Queen's representative in Worcestershire, who presented a variety of special guests to him in the foyer of the new community arts centre in High Street, Pershore.

They included Worcestershire High Sheriff Lt Gen Sir John Foley and Lady Ann Foley, Worcestershire County Council chairman Maurice Bromfield and his consort Elizabeth Skinner, county council chief executive Rob Sykes, Wychavon District Council chairman Jean Dowty and consort Arthur Dowty, managing director of Wychavon Jack Hegarty and Kathryn Hegarty, MP Sir Michael Spicer and his wife Ann Spicer, Pershore mayor Val Wood and consort Richard Hampton, Number 8 director Andrew Clasen and event co-ordinator Susannah Clasen.

It was then Mr Clasen's turn to present Ray Steadman, managing director of Number 8, chairman Jane Daniels, finance director Jan Browning, project co-ordinator Keith Goddard and technical director David Browning.

Mr Steadman explained to Prince Philip the focus of Number 8, before inviting him to tour the building and meet some of the volunteers and sponsors.

Mr Steadman presented members of staff to the duke, as well as Alistair McGowan, patron of Number 8, and programming and marketing manager Charlotte Beard.

From there, the duke moved on to the auditorium. where he met Sheila Booth and Marie Howen, managers of the Just After 8 charity shop.

Mr Steadman then presented Number 8 board member Michael Amies, Wychavon councillors Malcolm Meikle and Charles Tucker and former members Tony Hotham and Gerry Barnett, who helped steer the project through the council in the early stages.

The duke then listened to a short musical performance by Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society, before meeting the group's chairman Judy Megarry and chatting with the cast, many of whom were founder members.

In the courtyard, Mr Goddard described to the duke the achievements of the design and project and met architect William McMorran and Steve Cooper, designer of the newly-crafted gates.

The duke was also treated to a short ballet by members of The Symphony Dance School.