Duke of Gloucester visits Hopton Castle

The Duke of Gloucester has spoken of his 'great pleasure' at officially unveiling restored ruins at Shropshire's Hopton Castle on a visit to the county today.

The Duke arrived at the castle, near Craven Arms, by helicopter at about 11am for a tour around the castle and a chat with heritage enthusiasts and residents.

He was wearing a camel-coloured coat and a pin-striped suit but did not mind getting his shoes muddy to have a tour around the castle.

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The royal visitor met Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Algernon Heber-Percy and a delegation including the High Sheriff of Shropshire Richard Burbidge and Ludlow MP Philip Dunne at the castle, along with members of the Hopton Castle Preservation Trust and other involved in the restoration.

He then unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the end of the restoration works, which have been carried out over the past three years to repair damaged masonry and were part-funded by a £880,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £150,000 from English Heritage.

He was also due to visit William Brookes School in Much Wenlock and Oswestry's new multi-million pound leisure centre this afternoon.

Addressing the crowds, the Duke said: "It is a great pleasure to join you here and help celebrate the completion of the restoration of the castle

"Castles are splendid things and this is in a beautiful part of the countryside people should be encouraged to come and enjoy it."

He was presented with a framed photograph of the castle by 93-year-old founder member and trustee Veronica Garman.