Hard-working Redbridge carers have been rewarded by a visit from Princess Anne.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Redbridge Carers Support Service (RCSS), in Station Road, Ilford yesterday, meeting members and unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

She is president of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, to which Redbridge Carers Support Service is affiliated.

Kay Bell, who is in her 70s and who looks after her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease, said: “It was a great privilege to be invited here today.

“I come to Redbridge Carers Support Service for all sorts of support including the gardening service, the pampering service and the group meetings.”

During the visit, Princess Anne was greeted by Col Paul Acda, Redbridge’s deputy lieutenant, the mayor Cllr Chris Cummins and MPs Lee Scott and Mike Gapes.

Glynis Donovan, chief executive of RCSS, who also welcomed Princess Anne, said: “It was a really memorable day which carers, staff, trustees and volunteers will never forget.

“Her Royal Highness is passionate about her support for carers and showed much interest in all our projects. We hope that the visit will raise awareness about the vital role carers perform and the crucial support carers receive from Redbridge Carers Support Service.”

Carers receive support from the centre through their various services which include information, advice, advocacy and practical support.

The charity has recruited and trained a diverse pool of more than 70 talented and committed volunteers, half of who speak one or more of Redbridge’s community languages.

The centre is proud to be supporting some of the most vulnerable and marginalised carers in the borough, including older, frail, housebound carers, young adult carers and carers from newly arrived, migrant and refugee communities.

Carers in Redbridge can get help by contacting RCSS on 020 8524 9725.