ONE of Bournemouth’s best-known charities will get the royal seal of approval when Princess Anne visits this spring.

The Princess Royal will officially open Cherry Tree Nursery’s new sustainable building on Monday March 12.

The Sheltered Work Opportunities Project was helped by dozens of organisations, businesses, individuals and charitable trusts to fund the building, which is used by volunteers as a tea room and rest area.

Although it is al-ready in use, a plaque will be unveiled to mark its official opening during the Princess Royal’s visit.

The project was recommended for a royal visit after Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers visited the site, off the New Road roundabout in North-bourne.

Nursery manager Jessica Davies said: “We understand that the Princess Royal will arrive by helicopter and will then have a tour of the site and meet people involved in the project.

“We are so delighted that the prin-cess has agreed to pay us a visit.”

Around 150 people attend the project as volunteers, all of whom will be invited to the royal visit. Supporters, staff, trustees, patrons and builders will also be there. The nursery will be closed to the public for the event.

Cherry Tree is a plant nursery which provides a supportive, family working environment for adults with severe and enduring mental illness.

Jessica added: “Nearly everyone attending the project lives with a lack of self-esteem and feelings of rejection and worthlessness. “The royal visit represents recognition of all we have achieved and of the value and importance of Cherry Tree.”

Volunteer Andy said: “I think it’s marvellous because it will help boost the project’s potential.”