LANCASTER Royal Grammar School celebrated its 150th anniversary on Friday with a special visit from the Princess Royal.

The Princess chatted freely with pupils and staff, unveiled a commemorative plaque and signed a visitor's book before flying off in a helicopter from the school's cricket field.

Accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, the Princess arrived at 12 noon and was presented to local dignitaries including The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Lancaster's mayor, Cllr Mrs Patricia Quinton, chief executive Mark Cullinan, MP Hilton Dawson, Chairman of Governors, John Holland, as well as the Headmaster, Mr Peter Mawby and the head boy, Richard Baderin.

Pupils lined the route to the science centre, where Princess Anne began her tour and at the International Suite she had the opportunity to meet governors, staff, pupils, parents and guests at an informal gathering. After signing the Visitor's Book she then unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Well-wishers then gathered to bid her farewell as her helicopter left the cricket field.

The school has been in existence since the 13th Century and is one of the oldest maintained schools in the country. The Visit was part of a programme of celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary at its present location and the granting of the Royal Charter.

Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a selective 11 to 18 Voluntary Aided state school with 960 boys, including 160 boarders.

Over the past decade £3.5m has been invested in new facilities and donations to the School's 'Millennium Appeal' reached the target of £1 million in November 2000.