MYSTERY surrounded reports that Prince Andrew would soon be making his second visit of the summer to Lytham St Annes.

So much so that London HQ staff at "Lytham landlords" Guardian Insurance panicked and hung up when the Citizen telephoned to ask for confirmation of the visit.

The Fylde's favourite Royal is returning TWICE in October - just months after his first visit for the Open Golf Championships.

Prince Andrew's next appointment is thought to be a private luncheon at the elegant Lytham Hall next month to celebrate the mansion's transfer of ownership from Guardian Royal Exchange to the Lytham Town Trust.

Although contracts are not yet confirmed between the two parties, negotiations are expected to finalise the sale soon.

Irene Payne of GRE said of the deal: "We are presently in discussion with Lytham Town Trust, but we are not expecting an announcement until next month."

The Prince is also expected to take time out of an official visit to local armed forces to play a round of golf at Royal Lytham and St Annes - the scene of his first visit to the Fylde.

On that occasion in July, he met Fylde Mayor Alfred Jealous and other local dignitaries and Councillor Jealous extended an invitation to Andrew to return.

Mr Jealous said: "I am very glad he is coming back and has accepted my invitation."

Lytham Town Trust and Guardian Royal Exchange would not comment on the visit.

When the Citizen telephoned GRE's head office in London, a spokesperson said: "The press office is in a meeting," - and promptly rang off.

Later a spokesperson at the Lytham office said: "I cannot

comment on this because I know nothing about it."

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