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The Countess of Wessex chats to a parent during her visit to Winchester's Homestart offices yesterday (Wednesday). J7435C Picture by Jon Mackintosh

A WINCHESTER charity received a boost when it welcomed a royal visitor.

HRH The Countess of Wessex came to the city's Homestart offices yesterday (Wednesday).

The charity has more than 300 branches across Britain, but Winchester's was only created last year.

The organisation has trained around 30 volunteers at its base inside the Lanterns centre in Bereweeke Road.

They visit families for a couple of hours each week to provide advice and support, making parenting a little easier.

Sally Stewart, one of Homestart Winchester's patrons, said the people who needed their help came from all walks of life.

"It has nothing to do with money or background, it's about whether that person needs help," she said.

She added that they were delighted that the Countess had come to visit.

"It means a lot to the volunteers, especially as they put in a lot of their own time."

The Countess, who was wearing a pastel blue jacket and skirt along with cream-coloured shoes, was introduced to Homestart staff, volunteers, and Winchester Mayor, Cllr Sue Nelmes.

She then toured the building, and seemed in her element and relaxed as she chatted to parents and their little ones.

Following the tour, she said: "It's been a pleasure to meet all the volunteers and families.

"Good luck with the scheme here, and I hope it goes really well."

11:36am Thursday 26th April 2007

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