Princess Anne's station opening

Mar 30, 2010, 12:53 GMT

Britain's Princess Anne officially opened Newcastle's Haymarket Metro station yesterday (29.03.10).

The royal - who is 10th in line to the throne - arrived at the new transport system to be greeted by 50 schoolchildren from St Mary's School in Tyneside, North East England, who were all waving flags as she cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.

The princess took the time to chat to a busker outside the new £20 million station, as well as speaking to passengers and representatives from Metro operator Nexus.

A fan in the crowd, Dawn Knight, 60, said she was pleased she'd made the effort to come to see the unveiling of the station.

She told the Journal Live website: "When the queen was here I missed her so I was determined to see Princess Anne. It's great for the city having a royal in the region."

The scheme, which has seen the Haymarket station rebuilt with a retail and leisure hub replacing the existing structure, was funded by £350 million government money.

Nexus Director General Bernard Garner said: "I'm very proud that the Princess is here to perform the official opening. The station's a great achievement.

The princess also spent her time in the region visiting Olympic competition boat-makers Ovington Boats Limited, as well as meeting students from Beacon Hill School and Specialist College for Business and Enterprise in Wallsend.