A working men's club is hoping a Double Diamond - or a special gin - will work wonders when a Royal visitor pops in next week.

Officials at Knaresborough WMC have been busy doing their homework on the drinking needs of the Duke of Edinburgh, who will pay an official visit to the 1,400-member club next Thursday.

Determined not to be caught out by a request for the Duke's popular tipples the club's extensive bar has been stocked to cope with any favourite Royal request.

Palace insiders have revealed that the Duke likes nothing more than a Double Diamond or a pink Plymouth gin.

They sell Double Diamond aplenty at the club at 70p a bottle, but have had to buy in the special gin.

A pink gin is created by pouring Angostura Bitters into the glass, swilling it round and tipping it out before dispensing the gin, which turns pink.

Club steward Keith Taylor says the Angostura' Bitters - a tonic made from aromatic bitter bark - is supposed to be good for clearing up a hangover. "It's going to be quite an occasion for the club and we're all looking forward to it. The Duke will be meeting members of the Royal British Legion, who hold their meetings here, as well as club members," said Mr Taylor.

Traditionally Thursday is bingo night but there will be no eyes down when the Duke calls in for his scheduled 30-minute stop.

He will, however, get one of the best views of Knaresborough.

The Kirkgate-based club is famed for its spectacular views across the Nidd Gorge.

The Duke's date is part of a longer visit by the Queen and her husband to the district after arriving at Harrogate Station at 10.15am.

Engagements for the Queen include reopening the Sun Pavilion in Harrogate's Valley Gardens, a walkabout in Oxford Street and a visit to Harrogate Theatre to see rehearsals for the pantomime Aladdin.

The Duke will visit the GSPK electronics factory at Knaresborough before calling to see Ye Olde Chymist Shoppe in the Market Place and Harrogate District Hospital.

Later, the Duke will rejoin the Queen at the Northern Police Convalescent Home where a commemorative stained glass window will be unveiled.

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