BLACKPOOL welcomed a royal visitor this week -- with the news that the charity she sponsors is to open its first centre on the Fylde coast.

Princess Anne marked carers week by visiting more than 1,000 carers enjoying a hard-earned holiday at Pontins.

But, on the same day, the Princess Royal Trust announced that it will add Backpool to its network of carers centres.

Cllr Sue Wright, Blackpool's social services portfolio holder, said: "We're delighted about the proposed new Carers Centre for Blackpool.

"The team in Social Services have worked particularly hard for Carers over a number of years and look forward to the new Centre which will mean that Carers in Blackpool will continue to get the very best help, support and advice that is available."

The trust's regional manager, Carol Cochrane, said: "The opening of a Centre in Blackpool will mean that the expertise of the statutory services and the voluntary sector is brought together to ensure that Carers in Blackpool are amongst the best supported in the North West."

The centre, to be managed by Blackpool Council for Voluntary Service, is due to open this Autumn. It will work with many of the 15,000 carers in the Blackpool area, around 5,000 of whom care for more than 50 hours each week.