HORSE-MAD Bernadette Clayton stole the show during the Princess Royal's visit to Chorley and South Ribble General Hospital.

The Hoghton pensioner grabbed the attention of the Princess after revealing she was a former travelling head lad to top flat race trainer Henry Candy.

The Princess, a former world-class eventer, talked horses with 62-year-old Bernadette for several minutes.

The pensioner said: "I told her I had broken my wrist in a fall in my house.

"Despite a lifetime riding horses, I had never suffered a single broken bone until now.

"I had to stop riding when I suffered a brain tumour.

"The Princess came across as extremely genuine and looked a picture."

The Princess was greeted by torrential rain as she arrived at the new hospital at 12.55pm yesterday.

About 40 members of the public braved the elements to applaud her arrival. Among the welcoming committee was nursing auxiliary Stuart Moore, of Brinscall, who presented her with a copy of the commemorative programme.

She was taken to the casualty department where she was given a guided tour by Dr Richard Fairhurst, of Wiswell, Whalley, who is the director of accident and emergency services.

Dr Fairhurst, 53, who has been at the hospital since November 1995 after arriving from the University College Hospital, London, said: "She was extremely interested in the fact it was a totally new hospital on a site where there was previously nothing.

"She was also surprised how many of the staff came from so many different areas."

The Princess also met youngsters Kelly Atkinson, 6, and three-year-old Jessie Hayes, from Euxton, who are patients at Derian House Children's Hospice, who presented her with flowers.

She toured and chatted to staff and patients in the physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments and other wards.

Before departing she presented long service awards to nine members of staff and unveiled a commemorative opening plaque.

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