Dementia charity Reminiscence Learning based at Tonedale welcomed a Royal visitor yesterday (Tuesday).

The Countess of Wessex (pictured) formally opened its new Respite Activity Sessions and unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit.

She also met some of the primary school children who have been taking part in the charity’s inter-generational dementia awareness Archie Project, which has been launched with all five schools in central Wellington this September.

Reminiscence Learning manager Emma Green said the visit was exciting for those who attend the activity sessions and allowed the team at the charity to celebrate its success.

Before the visit the charity received a message from its ambassador, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw.

She said she was excited abou the visit and added: “I hope it will be utterly fabulous and that everyone will realise that the reason for this is because you are doing a magnificent thing and it’s time you were recognised and rewarded for it!

“I feel so very proud of what you are doing and that it is part of our life in Somerset. It’s a level of care and compassion which sets such a high standard.”