NEW offices in Ringwood were given the Royal seal of approval this week.

The Ringwood Gateway public services building was officially opened by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent on Monday.

His Royal Highness was given a tour of the public square area and building, which opened to the public in May.

The Ringwood Gateway is a sustainable building and brings together a number of services from Ringwood Town Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.

Chairman of the project board and deputy leader of New Forest District Council, Cllr Edward Heron, said: “We are very honoured to have had the Duke of Kent formally open our new Ringwood Gateway building.

“The visit has given us the opportunity to showcase the benefits that can be delivered for our local communities by working in partnership.”

Ringwood Town Mayor, Cllr Steve Rippon-Swaine, said: “We are delighted that we have brought together all three authorities in one building in the heart of Ringwood to provide a cost-effective service for our residents.”