STAFF and users of Malvern Library were delighted to welcome the Duke of Kent today(Thursday).

The royal arrived at 11.20am and began by speaking to representatives of the Royal British Legion at the newly-renovated war memorial in the library grounds.

His tour took him into the main building where pupils from St Matthias Primary School were enjoying a story-telling session with children’s author Cat Weatherill.

Warrant officer Leigh Robinson, who heads the Education to Employment scheme at Malvern Hills Foyer, spoke to the Duke of Kent about his young recruits.

He said: “He was taking an interest in the lads really and finding out what they were doing.”

Frankie Collen, the driver of the mobile library, also spoke with the Duke of Kent, this time about the diverse communities she serves across the county. “He was extremely friendly and seemed very interested,” she added.

After making his way to the cafe area of the library, the Duke of Kent met a group of adults who had taken part in the Six Book Challenge to improve their reading skills.

One such reader, Julie Dickson, from Malvern Link, said: “He asked us whether we choose the books ourselves, which we do. He seemed quite interested in the project. He also said he was a slow reader. So was I before I started it.”

The library was titled as one of the 'Loveliest' in England by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council this year following an extension and refurbishment costing around £1.5m.