PRINCESS Margaret’s visit to Wareham was delayed by low cloud, forcing her to arrive by train instead of the planned helicopter.

The Princess was 75 minutes behind schedule when she arrived at the new £1.6 million social services complex.

Despite the wait, hundreds of people gathered to greet the princess as her train pulled in on July 7, 1989.

Youngsters at the Wareham Middle School were disappointed though - the helicopter was due to land in the school’s grounds where they had hoped to have had a grandstand view.

On arrival in Wareham the Princess went straight to a private lunch at the Priory Hotel, where a small party of guests dined.

More than two hours later than planned, Princess Margaret arrived at Anglebury Court, the residential home and day centre.

The Princess met the oldest resident, Mary Goodwin, who had just recently celebrated her 103rd birthday.

The Princess was also shown the control centre of Purbeck council’s Careline service before unveiling a stone plaque outside to mark her visit.