VOLUNTEERS had to opportunity to shake hands with the Princess Royal during her visit in Wokingham to officially launch Citizens Advice.

Princess Anne toured the head office of Wokingham Citizens Advice on Friday, September 27 and the dedicated staff and volunteers.

The patron of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, visited the charity during its 80th anniversary and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the refurbished site.

Two of the charities clients talked through their cases with The Princess Royal explaining how the service helped them.

Jake Morrison, chief executive, Citizens Advice Wokingham, said: "We are honoured to have received a visit from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The opportunity to showcase our work has been fantastic.

"All of our staff, volunteers and trustees have played a part in the 80 years of our important service, with some giving over 25 years’ worth of contributions.

“Having a conversation with The Princess Royal about all of our great work will be a memory we can all share for years to come. We provide a lifeline, a safety net, for every single person in our communities.

"We are a go-to resource for any problem, where we gather the facts, and find ways forward depending on the individual circumstances. Whilst that sounds simple in explanation, the work we do shapes lives week-in week-out, helping people overcome obstacles and figure out complexities.”

Citizens Advice Wokingham has 88 volunteers and 10 part-time staff who provide a variety of services, including: advice and administrative support.

In 2018, staff helped 2,258 with issues such as benefits, council tax arrears to discrimination, mental health problems and domestic violence.

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Bill Soane, said: "We are delighted to have welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal to Wokingham. It was fantastic to have her join us in celebration of Citizens Advice’s outstanding work in the community.”