Princess Anne visits town's saddlemaker

Princess Anne was flown into Aldridge today to visit a leatherworks and meet staff who make saddles for the Royal family.

The Princess Royal's helicopter landed at Aldridge Airfield in Bosty Lane before she was driven to Jabez Cliff & Company Ltd.

Dressed in a fitted brown skirt suit with brown shoes and matching handbag Princess Anne was met by Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Paul Sabapathy, Mayor of Walsall Councillor Gary Clarke and Mayoress Yvonne Clarke.

The firm moved its 48-strong workforce from Lower Forster Street, Walsall, to its new Aldridge Road base in June last year.

Princess Anne had been due to visit in February to officially open the site but had to cancel because of bad weather.

During today's rescheduled visit she toured the firm's new home and unveiled a plaque.

The princess spoke with some of the firm's workers and guests such as Staffordshire dressage multi-gold medallist, paralympian Lee Pearson CBE.

During her visit she was also presented with a saddle which will go to the Riding for the Disabled Association, of which she is a patron.

Company spokesman Cliff Kirby-Tibbits said: "Everyone has been really excited."