The Princess Royal placed a wreath at the dedication of a new memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas during a visit to Staffordshire.

The daughters of a pilot killed during the 2003 Gulf War also helped dedicate the new memorial to all who served in the RAF.

Elizabeth Williams, aged eight and her seven-year-old sister Christina, were among more than 1,000 people who attended the official opening of the RAF Association remembrance garden yesterday.

The sisters, accompanied by their mother Alex, presented the wreath to the princess during the service.

The girls then looked on as the Princess Royal placed the wreath at the base of the memorial, which features a stainless steel sculpture of an eagle sitting on top of a globe.

Flt Lt David Williams died when his RAF Tornado was shot down as it returned from a mission in a so-called friendly-fire incident near the Kuwaiti border in March 2003.

After the ceremony, which was attended by Minister for Veterans Kevan Jones, a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew over Alrewas.

The RAF Association has about 74,000 members and offers help and support to former and serving air force personnel and their families.

Princess Anne was also in Stafford yesterday, meeting staff and volunteers of Stafford and Stone Citizens Advice Bureau to unveil a plaque marking its 70th anniversary.

The princess, who is patron of the national Citizens Advice organisation, was greeted by Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, James Hawley, as well as other civic dignitaries.