Following the visit of HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne to a Ross-on-Wye business, the town’s mayor has shared his experience with the Gazette.

He said: “On behalf of the entire community I was delighted to welcome HRH Princess Anne to Ross-on-Wye. SafeLane Global are a real local hidden gem and I was fascinated to learn about their work in mine clearance around the world. They literally save lives every day through their activity.” He added: “Our Royal visitor gave her time generously to SafeLane Global and showed genuine interest asking some very shrewd and intelligent questions of our hosts. All the staff had obviously been working very hard to make the visit a success and I’m sure the Princess Royal will have been very impressed by the welcome she received. All in all I was very proud of our town.”

Ross based SafeLane Global have made a name for themselves clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war. Their work on land and in marine environments has been creating safer spaces for several decades.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne visited SafeLane’s Ross-on-Wye headquarters on July 19 where staff and board members were presented to her. HRH viewed a demonstration of manual de-mining techniques, canine detection of explosives, and viewed multiple items of ordnance that SafeLane has rendered safe. To thank her for the visit, Princess Anne also received a silver plated anti-personnel mine as a memento of SafeLane’s ongoing work, as well as a hamper of local produce, enabling the company to shine a light on neighbouring businesses.