LEOMINSTER received a royal visitor today who praised the town's church and The Grange.

The Duke of Gloucester, who is the Queen's cousin, first visited Lucton School to mark the centenary of the founding of their Rifles badged Combined Cadet Force before proceeding to Priory Church in Leominster.

When he arrived he met the Mayor of Leominster, Roger Pendleton - this was one of the mayor's final public engagements before he passes the chain onto deputy mayor, Jenny Bartlett.

The Duke then met clergy and churchwardens and he praised the church as he said it looked new as it was so well preserved.

Once inside he met representatives from the Leominster Medieval Pageant, before he was given a rendition of a new song about Herefordshire by children from nine different schools.

The song was written following a project called Sing Spring, where children across the county described what they loved about the county.

Pupils from Earl Mortimer College, Leominster, Luston, Stoke Prior, Marden, Wellington, Ivington, Dilwyn and Kingsland sang for the Duke.

The Duke then left the church and walked to The Grange, where he met volunteers.

Whilst there he also presented an MBE to Mike Thornhill, who received the award for services to the community in Leominster.

The Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley said: "I know Mr Thornhill is the one to say this has been a team effort and a success for very many, which is why he asked to receive the medal here and not in London.

"Some ten years ago as chairman of Leominster Area Regeneration Committee, a position he held until 2013, Mr Thornhill pledged to buy this Grade II listed building from Herefordshire Council for the kingly sum of £1 and then to transform it from a neglected wreck into the community heritage centre we have today."

The Duke praised Mr Thornhill and said he had changed an embarrassment for the town into an asset.

Following the presentation the royal moved to the community market based in Corn Square.

The Duke finished his visit to the town at Brightwells Auctioneers Limited.