BROMYARD residents caught a rare glimpse of royalty this morning as the Queen's cousin visited the town.

On the day when Her Majesty has became the UK's longest-reigning monarch, her relative, the Duke of Gloucester, visited businesses and toured St Peter's Church before taking a walk around the town centre.

He was welcomed to Bromyard by a host of dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Edward Harley, and Lady Darnley, the county's Lord Lieutenant.

The tour began with a visit to Apreco on the Porthouse Industrial Estate, a firm which manufactures air pressure stabilisers.

The Royal, who is 24th in line to the throne, was given a demonstration of the firm's work before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

The Duke was then due to make the short journey to Legge’s butchers on Tenbury Road before stopping off at St Peter's Church where Rev Alan Seabrook would provide a brief history of the building.

The Royal party was then set to walk via Rowberry Street to the top end of High Street, stopping off in Falcon Mews.

After lunch he is expected to visit the Market Square and finally the HOPE Centre.

A host of organisations are taking part in the day with displays, including the town's Guides and Brownies, plus representatives from Bromyard Gala, Bromyard Hop Festival and the town's Scarecrow Festival, among others.