THE Duchess of Gloucester visited children with a physical disability at a centre in East Finchley this week.

Youngsters and staff at the Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy greeted Her Royal Highness Birgitte Eva who has been a patron of the charity since 1993.

The Duchess was given a tour of the centre which provides treatment such as physiotherapy and speech and language therapy for around 300 children a year.

After chatting to the youngsters and their parents, seven-year-old Madison Haynes from Leigh-on-Sea presented the Duchess with flowers.

Madison’s mother Sally Haynes said: “My daughter was thrilled to meet a member of the royal family and will be describing the flowers to her friends when she goes back to school.”

Jayne Pearce, director of administrative services at the centre said: “Her royal highness has been a keen supporter so it was wonderful to be able to update her on our progress.

“We are proud to have her as our patron and hope she will visit again soon.”

For more information or to support the Bobath Centre visit www.bobath.org.uk or call the fundraising department on 02084 443 355.