WATCHET rolled out the red carpet for a royal visit that showcased the harbour town at its best.

The Princess Royal flew in by helicopter last Thursday as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for the iconic lighthouse on Watchet's West Pier.

And although the visit was masterminded by the Royal Yachting Association, of which Princess Anne is the president, it provided the opportunity to open the door on a host of local facilities and organisations.

Hundreds of people lined the streets with a welcome that was as warm as the autumn sun.

And as Princess Anne arrived early and left late, the crowds were left in no doubt about her interest in the town.

"It was absolutely fantastic," said local district councillor Tony Knight, who played a key role in helping to arrange the itinerary.

"The whole day was a resounding success. I was really taken aback by the size of the crowds and the time the princess spent talking to everyone, including many members of the public who she acknowledged as she walked around."

The visit was launched with a walk to the lighthouse during which RYA vice chairman Don Sutherland explained the history of the hexagonal tower structure, which was built in 1860 by James Abernethy when Watchet's commercial harbour was enjoying its heyday.

Local sea scouts demonstrated their sailing skills in the outer harbour before Princess Anne walked back along the West Pier to unveil a commemorative plaque watched by civic dignitaries, community leaders, boat owners, fishermen, coastguards and local scouts, guides, brownies and cubs.

The nearby Market House Museum was the next stop where Watchet's medieval but now purely symbolic Court Leet system of local administration was explained by bailiff Nigel Swinburne.

Inside the museum, curator Jim Nicholas, helped by Maurice Chidgey and Toby Bryant , gave the Princess Royal a brief overview of the 1,000-year history of Watchet's port.

But it was on the Esplanade that the crowds got the chance for a close-up glimpse of the royal visitor.

As she made her way along the front, Princess Anne learnt about the development of the marina, the statues of Yankee Jack and the Ancient Mariner and the recently renovated Fitzroy barometer, one of the earliest weather forecast instruments.

Against a backdrop of sea shanties and flag-waving youngsters from Knights Templar First School, Princess Anne met Watchet's coastguard team and members of the Phoenix Centre, including stalwart Jean Howe.

The town's associate vicar the Rev Bethan Guttridge and town council chairman Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin unlocked the story of the pebble mosaic, which depicts the arrival of St Decuman, before Princess Anne moved on to meet leading figures on the West Somerset Railway.

Stationmaster David Simpson-Scott escorted the royal visitor along the platform, where she also met volunteers, including one of the youngest, nine-year-old railway buff Thomas Courtney from Williton who spent part of his summer holidays making train announcements over the station tannoy and generally helping out.

Cllr Knight was on hand to recount the battle to replace the town's railway footbridge, in which he played a leading role, and Princess Anne had the chance to test its metal as she walked over it to reach the boat museum.

The final task of the day was to name a new training rigid inflatable boat for the sea scouts - topically called Jubilee.

And it was sea scout deputy leader Simon Bale's nine-year-old daughter Amelia who presented Princess Anne with the parting gift of a posy.

Before heading back to her helicopter, Princess Anne enjoyed a private light lunch at Watchet Football Club, put together with the help of Minehead restaurateur and Watchet resident Ian Hancock.

Home-made ham hock terrine, locally produced cheeses and a Somerset cream tea were on the menu, while other guests and dignitaries tucked into a feast at the Phoenix Centre.

Cllr Knight said the centre volunteers had made a tremendous effort.

"I'd like to thank everyone in the town who helped make the day such a success," he said.

"We greatly appreciate the part played by Don Sutherland, who instigated the royal visit, but also all the local organisations who pulled out all the stops to ensure the Princess Royal saw Watchet at its very best.

"The town looked wonderful."

The full selection of photographs taken by official photographer on the day and Free Press snapper Steve Guscott is available to view at http://www.steveguscottphotographer.co.uk">www.steveguscottphotographer.co.uk.

In addition, the images in print form are on display at the Phoenix Centre in Watchet.

MORE PICTURES INSIDE THE FREE PRESS