By Terry Pattinson

PRINCESS Beatrice of York met children, staff, governors and parents at a specialist learning centre in Reading, and described her visit as 'fantastic.'

She was invited by Reading's Dingley Centre, in Craven Road, one of three Dingley centres for children in Berkshire.

The royal visit was on Monday, October 12.

She was met by the centre's Patron, Lady Catherine Stevenson.

Children presented their royal guest with flowers and a card they made themselves, while Princess Beatrice gave them a book about the Royal family, a cuddly beefeater and a toy corgi.

Her Royal Highness was treated to clay modelling, blowing bubbles, the use of whiteboards, and saw two sensory rooms that help youngsters develop their skills through play.

Dingley's centres in Berkshire support 130 families every year.

Her visit was part of a larger visit organised by the Berkshire Community Foundation, of which the princess is a patron.