A TADLEY charity got the royal seal of approval during a visit last week.

The Duchess of Gloucester visited SeeAbility’s Fir Tree Lodge, in Heather Drive, Tadley on May 6.

The 68-year-old, who is a first cousin of The Queen and patron of the charity, officially opened a new extension to the property where the charity provides specialist support to people with sight loss and multiple disabilities to enable them to develop and make the choices they want.

The then Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner and wife Tricia, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson, SeeAbility chief executive David Scott-Ralphs and the chairman of trustees James Deeley welcomed the Duchess to the facility.

The Duchess was then given a posy by Paul Button, who has no useful sight and lives at the home, before he showed her how he moved around independently using his custom-built wheelchair.

The 68-year-old spoke with other families before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

Karen Hebdon, registered manager at Fir Tree Lodge, said: “We are very proud of what Paul and all the people living here achieve. Having a Royal visit was very exciting for everyone concerned.”