WEST Somerset's newest residential care home rolled out the red carpet to welcome its first royal visitor this week.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent flew into Williton on Wednesday to officially open Croft House in the village.

The 67-bedded state-of-the-art facility opened its doors to residents in May but the Duke - first cousin to the Queen - was invited to formally unveil it.

Local schoolchildren watched as the royal helicopter landed in the grounds of Danesfield Middle School and the Duke, who travelled the short distance to Croft House by car, then enjoyed a piped welcome by members of the 1st Watchet Sea Scouts.

His visit included a tour of the home and the chance to meet some of the residents, staff and local dignitaries before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Andrew Larpent, chief executive of the Somerset Care Group which owns Croft House, said he was delighted and honoured that the Duke had visited the home.

"We are extremely pleased with the new building which will provide high quality residential and specialist care facilities for present and future generations of older people in the heart of Somerset," said Mr Larpent.

"We welcomed the opportunity to show it to His Royal Highness and other guests."

The Free Press was given its own tour of the new home shortly before the royal opening - see inside this week's Free Press.