THE Princess Royal spoke to Citizens' Advice Bureau staff assembled in York for their annual conference, and said the organisation "can be justly proud".

Princess Anne, who is patron of the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux, made the opening address at the three-day conference, which is being held at the University of York.

The university is a regular venue for the association's conferences.

She told delegates: "I want to say how pleased I am to be back here in the beautiful city, and university, of York.

"I imagine that the beauty of this city and university is one of the reasons why you keep coming back here."

She said the association had had to cope with a surge in calls and clients as a result of two recent crises: last year's floods and the foot and mouth crisis, both of which, she said, had had a great bearing on life in York and North Yorkshire.

"These incidences led to a huge increase in employment, housing and insurance-related inquiries to the bureau," she added.

"It is now estimated that two in five people have consulted the Citizens' Advice Bureau; but sadly there are still many who are unaware of the services that it offers. That is one of the main issues which this conference will address."

She said that much money had recently been invested in new buildings and facilities for the bureau nationally, but that "buildings are useless" without the volunteers and staff who populate them.

The Princess left directly after making her address, saying she regretted that she could not stay for the duration of the conference.

She was thanked for her comments by seven-year-old Stephanie Ajose, of Balham, London, whose mother works in her local bureau.

More than 1,200 delegates are attending the conference, which is focusing on quality of service.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, September 25, 2001