A RURAL housing trust and a Citizen's Advice Bureau both welcomed a very special guest as The Princess Royal visited Suffolk.The Princess began her tour of the county yesterday in the village of Polstead, near Hadleigh, where she attended a seminar to raise awareness of how planning schemes can be used to provide affordable homes in rural areas.

A RURAL housing trust and a Citizen's Advice Bureau both welcomed a very special guest as The Princess Royal visited Suffolk.

The Princess began her tour of the county yesterday in the village of Polstead, near Hadleigh, where she attended a seminar to raise awareness of how planning schemes can be used to provide affordable homes in rural areas.

The event, at Polstead Village Hall, was organised by The Rural Housing Trust along with Babergh District Council.

The Princess Royal, president of the Rural Housing Trust, drew attention to the lack of affordable housing in small villages and encouraged delegates to do what they could to address the problem.

"There are around 8,000 small villages in England and it is estimated that most of them need around six to 12 affordable homes to meet local needs," she said.

"The difference a few houses can make may sustain the school, shop or club for longer, making a huge difference to all those in the village.

"Debates such as this are very worthwhile and show that there is more than one way to skin a cat but any solutions must be in partnership with local people because only those that live in the village know what will work."

Before climbing into her car to catch a helicopter flight, she paused to accept flowers from local children.

After her visit to Polstead, the Princess travelled to Lowestoft where she met workers at the Citizens Advice Bureau which is celebrating its 40th year in the town.

The final visit of the day was to Bury St Edmunds to be a part of celebrations to mark the completion of the new cathedral tower.