CRAVEN Swimming Pool and Ermysted's Grammar School were given a royal seal of approval, this week, by the Duke of Kent.

Skipton's new £4 million swimming pool has been in operation since August, but was officially opened by the Duke on Monday.

It features two pools as well as a fitness suite with a variety of gym equipment. The facilities were designed to provide access for all.

It also has a unique ramp that allows disabled users to be lowered into the water while sitting in a specially designed wheelchair.

The Duke was given a demonstration of the facility which is the first of its kind in the country.

Members of the Skipton and Craven Action for Disability, Skipton Swimming Club and children from Parish Church School were in the pool to explain the merits of the new building.

The Duke also spoke to gym members before he opened the building in front of local dignitaries and pool users.

Craven District Council chairman Coun Stephen Place, welcomed the Duke and paid tribute to all who had been involved in the project.

He said: "Craven has always recognised the benefits of being able to swim - it's fun, it's healthy and it saves lives. We accept our obligation to facilitate these benefits for the folk of Craven.

"Our new pool has a moveable floor, modern facility management systems, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and is safe and accessible to all - young and old, active people and those with a disability."

The Duke said he was thrilled to view the magnificent pool. He added that much thought had obviously gone into the project to allow all ages to use the pool.

Representatives of the Scouts and Guides were present as they are this year's chosen charity of the chairman of Craven District Council.

Dr Roger Pyrah, chairman of the South Craven District Scouts was able to meet with the Duke.

Dr Pyrah said: "I was delighted to meet the Duke. He was very easy to get on with, he was very pleasant indeed. I told him a bit about the Scouts and the numbers.

"I normally do something else on a Monday and I decided to go at the last minute. It was very nice to see him speaking to the children and the elderly people in the pool."

Marjorie Lord, chairman of Thornton-in-Craven Parish Council, also had the opportunity to meet the Duke. She acknowledged that it was important for somebody of note to come and open the impressive facilities.

She said: "I think it is nice to have a celebrity of some sort. It is sort of a highlight for Craven.

"The Duke asked me where I was from and when I said on the border with Lancashire he professed that he did not know very much about that area and that he knew more about East Yorkshire.

"It was a very enjoyable day and it was well organised."

The Duke then went on to the town's Ermysted's Grammar School to open a new £1 million-plus extension, which provides three technology workshops, four English classrooms and a computer suite.

The Duke met a number of pupils including a Year 9 chemistry group burning chemicals to compare the reaction with the flame. He decided to get involved with the experiment but risked injury when he placed one of the chemicals on to a plate which cracked and exploded.

He was impressed by the facilities provided by the school and commended the enthusiasm of the pupils.

Headteacher Tom Ashworth said: "We were honoured to have a royal visitor. It is always nice to have a prestigious visitor at any time and the Duke was most welcome. I think the day went off fairly well and from what I understand the Duke enjoyed himself."

The royal guest went on to visit the Sunhill Training Centre based at Fleets Farm, near Rylstone.

There James Butcher explained the beneficial impact on the rural community achieved by the flagship Fleets development in the wake of foot and mouth.

The Duke's final engagement was to officially open the new Wharfedale Brewery, also based at Fleets.

Head brewer Adam Witek gave him a conducted tour of the brewhouse, explaining the brewing process before asking him to unveil a commemorative plaque.