A CHILDREN'S charity supporter is to meet The Duchess of Gloucester as a 'thank you' for his hard work.

George Tinsley, owner of Pinchinthorpe Hall, near Guisborough, is a supporter of The Children's Society and will meet the Duchess in Scunthorpe, on Tuesday next week.

The duchess has been president of The Children's Society since 1999, and is keen on meeting all the fundraisers from the North, as she recognises the important part volunteers play in keeping the organisation going.

Last year, the northern supporters raised a total of £1,060,000 for the charity.

Mr Tinsley has worked with local fundraisers on a number of different events including a gardening scheme sponsored by television celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

He said: "The Children's Society is a very worthwhile cause.

"They get money to the people who need it most. It's important to give children a good start in life.

"Everyone should do something useful. It's great to raise money for a good cause and you can meet loads of new people in the process.

"This will be the first time I have met a member of the royal family and I am really looking forward to meeting the Duchess of Gloucester."