KIDDERMINSTER was given the royal seal of approval, after the Duke of Kent visited Wyre Forest this week.

Prince Edward spent Tuesday (June 23) visiting Kemp Hospice, Amada and the Museum of Carpet.

HRH spent visited Kemp Hospice in the morning, where he toured the facilities in Mason Road and met patients taking part in a range of therapies.

He then officially opened the new Garden Annexe and Children’s Room, recently completed as a part of major extension works at the hospice to further expand facilities, as well as meeting with children and young people helped by Kemp following bereavement.

Mr Osborn said: “He was very keen to see the work that we do with patients to better understand the positive impact Kemp has on the lives of people at end of life and those, including children and young people, who Kemp helps following bereavement.

“He was presented with a card which patients had made and signed and he was heard to say that he would place this on his mantelpiece when he got home.”

The Duke then visited Amada UK, in Spennells Valley Road, to meet their young apprentices and view the latest new manufacturing technology.

One of the Duke's major public roles for many years was Vice-Chairman of British Trade International, a position he held from 1976.

The Duke retired from this role in 2001, but still retains an interest in British business at home and overseas.

Alan Parrott, managing director of Amada, said: “We were really proud to welcome the Duke of Kent especially considering his work with UK trade and investment.

“Our young engineers really appreciated the time the Duke spent with them. Our biggest challenge today is to find and develop the talented young people who will help us to continue improving customer support to our UK client base.”

HRH the Duke of Kent finished his visit in Kidderminster, by taking a trip to the Museum of Carpet, in Green Street, to take a short tour of the galleries and temporary exhibition space, before watching the power looms in action.

He was presented with a copy of the book, 'Woven in Kidderminster', by museum historian, Melvyn Thompson, together with a red 'turkey' rug, which had been crafted by one of the museum's volunteer weaving team, Bernie Orme.

Jean Talbot, museum volunteer, said: "We have been very much looking forward to the Duke's visit today.

"It is a real tribute to the museum."

While at the museum he was introduced to members of the board of trustees and volunteers, as well as representatives of two of the town's carpet firms, Brinton's Carpets and Victoria Carpet Company.

He was also introduced to Viscount Cobham DL, patron of the Museum of Carpet.

He thanked HRH for visiting the museum and said it had given everyone there tremendous pleasure.

To celebrate the Duke’s trip, a commemorative carpet, specially designed and made by Brinton’s was unveiled by HRH, and he also signed the visitors' book.

Caroline Taylor, museum manager, said: “This visit is recognition of the importance of the town and its foremost industry, carpet manufacture.

“It is a great honour for such a small museum and we are incredibly proud to be hosting this special visitor.”

Before he left, the Duke thanked everyone at the Museum of Carpet, and said he had very much enjoyed his visit there.