A ROSS-on-Wye neighbourhood received the royal seal of approval on Tuesday.

Tudorville and District Community Centre (TDCC) welcomed the Duke of Kent, who saw first hand the hard work that volunteers have done to bring the building up to standard.

TDCC took over the lease of the former youth centre from Herefordshire Council in January 2011 after it was deemed surplus to requirements.

It was the first community asset transfer to take place in the county.

The adjoining play area was then leased to TDCC in August last year, with a £10,000 grant from the Hereford Times' parent company coming at the start of this year to help the project.

That money enabled TDCC to purchase sporting equipment, while a donation of £97,171 from the Big Lottery Fund helped volunteers to construct a larger and fully equipped kitchen and private meeting room.

"It is a remarkable recovery and I am so pleased that that the centre is doing so well and I wish it every success," said the Duke as he unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit.

Michelle Kings, TDCC treasurer, said that it was nice that the hard work that has been put in over the past three to four years has been recognised.

"It is nice to see the building being used and to get the recognition," said Michelle.

"We just have the toilets left to do now and need to raise £5,000, with another £10,000 to bring them up to standard."

Boxer Jack Lindley, who trains at TDCC, added that the Duke showed a lot of interest when he talked to him.

"It was a a really good experience and it not something that you get to do every day," said Jack.

Meanwhile, a Christmas fair held at the centre last Saturday raised £737.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Duke visited Weston-under-Penyard Primary School as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations and Haigh Engineering in Ross.