A RAPTUROUS welcome from a local community, a trip round a vital development site on a steam locomotive, and a rousing reception from business leaders - this was all part and parcel of a packed Royal visit to York.

Excitement filled the air, and Comic Relief Red Noses were on show, as the Duke of York arrived in Haxby to officially open the village's Oaken Grove Community Centre yesterday.

Haxby and Wigginton Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Beavers formed a guard of honour to welcome him.

Kathryn Thompson, 13, said: "I have only ever seen Royalty on TV. I would like him to talk to us so I can invite him home for tea."

Her grandmother, Barbara Maxfield of Poppleton, waited almost an hour to catch a glimpse of the Duke, saying: "This will be the third time I have seen Prince Andrew."

Among those to enjoy a chat with him was Mary Howarth, of the Second Haxby and Wigginton Scout Group.

She said afterwards: "He asked what I did - I told him I was a Cub leader and he gave me the left-handed Scouting handshake. I was very impressed."

The community centre was opened following a £250,000 redevelopment. It has passed into the management of local residents for 99 years, through Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association.

Association chairman Eddie Benson said it was "a proud day for all the residents of Wigginton and Haxby".

Prince Andrew said he became interested in the project in 2002, but was even more impressed seeing first-hand all the work and people involved. "It is wonderful to be able to come and recognise the work of so many people who bring these sorts of community initiatives to fruition. I congratulate you for what you have achieved and for the one or two of you who never take no as the answer."

After the tour he unveiled a stone plaque and planted an oak tree in the garden, after it was presented by centre volunteer Joyce Head.

Red Noses were in abundance as Comic Relief, which helped sponsor the centre, brought colour to the occasion.

Later in the afternoon, Prince Andrew toured the York Central site - land behind York Railway Station, earmarked for major redevelopment - on Eustace Forth, a saddle tank steam locomotive. The Duke is the patron of the 35-hectare site.

His last fixture of the day was as guest speaker at the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce sell-out annual dinner at the National Railway Museum.

He urged all authorities giving advice to business to "redouble efforts" to promote exports.

In his role as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, the Duke warned 600 diners that the global economy could not be ignored. "There are people out there waiting to come and take your marketplace, so it is better to be out there. Without you, there is no prosperity."

Updated: 10:08 Friday, March 04, 2005