TOWNSPEOPLE turned out in force yesterday to welcome the Duke of York into their midst.

Prince Andrew flew into Easingwold by helicopter as part of his day of engagements in North Yorkshire.

And he officially opened a new £256,000 extension to the town's community primary school - built following a massive local fundraising drive.

The chairman of the board of governors, Gary Hodgson, said the Royal visit had gone a long way towards making up for the upheaval caused by all the work.

And headteacher Vanessa Huws-Jones added: "Many of the staff, children and parents live locally and have had connections with the school for many years.

"This is a real community school and the visit by His Royal Highness has given us an opportunity to look forward to the future with excitement and a real sense of pride for everything that has been achieved in recent times."

During his visit to the county, the Duke also officially opened a new £2m development at St Leonard's Hospice in York, meeting patients, staff, volunteers and management.

He also visited the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, helping to celebrate its return after foot-and-mouth disease caused its cancellation last year.