A ROYAL visit marked the official opening of Avon and Somerset Police's brand new operational training centre.

The site was officially named the Wilfred Fuller V.C. Operational Training Centre, after one of the force's own historical figures, Wilfred Dolby Fuller - a beat officer in the 1920s and 30s who was awarded the Victoria Cross during First World War.

The opening ceremony saw Princess Royal visit the site and unveil a plaque to mark the occasion, as well as taking part in a naming ceremony for the police's new horse – Wilfred.

Avon and Somerset's mounted and dog sections will be based at the new facility in Clevedon, alongside other operational departments and training facilities for police officers across the force.

It will also be a regional training hub for other forces in the South West as well as the collaborative training with other emergency services such as fire and ambulances services.

Princess Anne also took a guided tour of the new purpose built facility where she was greeted by members of the Grenadier Guards, the Police Mace Escort and a flyover by three WWI biplanes.

She met the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Historical Society and was presented with a biography on Wilfred Fuller V.C. entitled 'Our Wilf', which was written by historian Alan Vowles.

The event was also attended by John Fuller, son of Wifred Fuller, who the centre is named after.