The Princess Royal has officially opened the Norfolk Schools Sailing Association's new facilities at Filby Broad.

She was accompanied by Chris Dicker, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and the association's president.

They were welcomed to the centre in Filby by Sue Head, who had overseen the building project on behalf of the trustees.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Youngsters enjoyed the chance to meet the Princess RoyalYoungsters enjoyed the chance to meet the Princess Royal (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

The new facilities have replaced the original temporary buildings which had been in place for the last 60 years.

In addition to providing modern, accessible and fit-for-purpose changing spaces, they have improved the storage of the safety fleet and created a dedicated workshop, a working office for the volunteer team and a social space for everyone to share.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Princess Royal hears about the work of the associationThe Princess Royal hears about the work of the association (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

During her visit on Thursday, the Princess Royal met young people taking part in sailing activities.

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These included a school group, a group of core members in Toppers and some of those from a special project funded by the Royal Yacht Association to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Princess Royal was at the Filby site to inspect its new facilitiesThe Princess Royal was at the Filby site to inspect its new facilities (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

The Princess Royal went on to meet some of the sponsors and supporters who had funded the project as well as further volunteers.

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Commodore Andy Goff thanked the Princess Royal on behalf of the association and invited her to open the new premises by unveiling a plaque.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Youngsters wait for the Princess Royal to open the new facilityYoungsters wait for the Princess Royal to open the new facility (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

The Princess Royal concluded the event with a few words commending the work of the sailing association in furthering the sport of sailing and enriching the lives of young people.

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The new facilities are the culmination of 17 years of planning and fundraising to develop the Filby centre.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Princess Royal officially opens the new facilitiesThe Princess Royal officially opens the new facilities (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

The project began with the purchasing of the land from Norfolk County Council, followed by concept designs leading to the appointment of Munnings Construction Ltd to deliver the project.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Princess Royal is shown around the siteThe Princess Royal is shown around the site (Image: Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)