NEW MILTON is getting ready to roll out the red carpet for a royal visitor next week when HRH the Duchess of Gloucester officially opens the town's showpiece town hall and civic offices in Ashley Road.

The Duchess will unveil a commemorative plaque after touring the £1 million community building on Wednesday afternoon (April 7).

Built under a partnership between the various organisation involved, the long-awaited project was completed last autumn to provide a headquarters and meeting place for the town council and local offices for New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.

It also houses the town's Citizens Advice Bureau and six first-floor apartments administered by the Swaythling Housing Association.

New Forest District Council leader Cllr Mel Kendall, who described the building as an example of "joined-up government", said he was looking forward to meeting the Duchess.

He said: "It is a great honour to be able to welcome the Duchess of Gloucester to our new information centre and show her the fruits of what has been a very successful partnership."

"In bringing these local and regional organisations together we are able to offer the people of New Milton a comprehensive range of information about the services and facilities available."

Before leaving New Milton the Duchess will also be visiting the Dorcas New Forest charity at its nearby warehouse premises.

The charity which provides furniture and household items for local families in need won a grant from the national lottery community fund to open the distribution centre on the Milton Business Centre in Wick Drive.

Dorcas trustee Val Taylor said: "After being homeless for two years and struggling to keep afloat during that time, it is wonderful to receive this seal of approval from the Duchess."

"Her visit will pay tribute to our team of volunteers who have worked so hard in such difficult circumstances."