TWO schoolgirls were left awestruck after greeting Princess Anne on her visit to Chippenham on Wednesday.

The Princess Royal was a special guest at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Monkton Hill where she congratulated staff and volunteers on their hard work.

Lauren Turner-Hoad, a pupil at Park Lane Primary School, was chosen to present a posy of flowers to the Princess along with 11-year-old Freya Williams. The girls' mothers both work at the CAB.

Before the princess arrived, looking elegant in long black boots a tartan skirt and maroon velvet jacket, Lauren had predicted she would be wearing pink with a hat with a big red flower on top.

She also thought she would arrive in a limousine but in fact the royal visitor was driven in a sleek BMW after being flown by helicopter to Lackham College.

Although excited at the prospect of meeting royalty, Lauren did begin to get a little impatient and said: "Come on Princess Anne, I've been waiting ages."

When she finally arrived, the princess was greeted by bureau manager Sandi Sorell and her colleague Andy Suckley. Also present were Chippenham Town mayor Maureen Lloyd and North Wiltshire District Council chairman Peter Davis.

Security had been increased around the area for the day and police sniffer dogs were brought in to scour the area before the Princess arrived. Security men also arrived behind the royal car and surrounded the car park of the bureau.

After receiving the posy from the two girls, the Princess asked them whether they helped out at the CAB and they nervously replied sometimes'.

The Royal visitor, who is patron for the CAB, then went inside for a 40-minute meeting with volunteers and staff.

Ms Sorell said: "We were absolutely delighted that our patron was so interested in the good work we are doing for residents in North Wiltshire.

"She was very interested in the high number of volunteers that come into the CAB to help out at the charity.

"I explained that some of our volunteers are actually people we have helped in the past who feel they want to contribute something back and help others who face money problems, employment worries or housing issues."

The CAB was closed for the day and one couple seeking advice had to be turned away with a phone number and were told to return the next day.