Otley's new £15m hospital was given the royal seal of approval when it was officially opened by Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal met with staff and patients and toured the facilities before unveiling a commemorative plaque at the new Wharfedale Hospital.

During her visit she displayed a keen interest in the work of the hospital and also took time out to watch a tai chi class for the elderly.

Princess Anne, dressed almost entirely in black, arrived a few minutes early to be greeted by flag-waving school children, before going on to meet dignitaries.

And her prompt arrival wrong-footed the Lord Mayor of Leeds Council who was held up in a traffic jam in Horsforth.

Coun Chris Townsley reached the hospital minutes after the Princess had set off on her tour of its facilities. But he said the Royal visitor had been understanding.

"It was quite embarrassing to arrive after her," he said. "But as her Royal Highness said to me -- it is an occupational hazard."