A ROYAL visitor has been welcomed to Sandiway to open a new Girlguiding activity building at Petty Pool.

The award-winning Lookout, which is to be used by Girlguiding Cheshire Forest, has been officially opened by HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

The Royal, who is president of Girlguiding, met with Guides as well as supporters of Petty Pool before joining the Rainbows in the kitchen to make mocktails.

She then spoke with Brownies and Guides who were enjoying science activities on the lawn and took a tour of the building and its grounds.

After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the official opening of The Lookout, HRH planted a tree with the help of some very excited Rainbows.

Northwich Guardian:

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony the Countess said: "I just want to say a huge congratulations to all of you for all you have done.

"It is so hard to fundraise for this kind of activity, but it is so worth it because of the value it gives to the young people who are lucky enough to experience it.

"Girlguiding does so much to really bring out the best in our young girls and for many who are coming from places without the opportunity to get to green spaces very often, it is going to give them something that is going to last with them for life.

"Thank you for giving them that opportunity and to all of the volunteers who help to keep this place looking as good as it does."

Earlier this year, The Lookout was named Building of the Year at the Manchester Society of Architects awards and is the culmination of planning and fundraising by the dedicated and hardworking Girlguiding family.