HRH the Duke of Kent at Clouds House.HIS Royal Highness the Duke of Kent visited Clouds House in East Knoyle on Thursday last week, as part of the celebrations to mark its 21st anniversary.

The Duke of Kent last visited Clouds, the internationally recognised drug and rehabilitation charity, in 1997, and was keen to hear of the many exciting and ground-breaking developments that had occurred since then.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, General Sir Morris Johnston, Lady Johnston, and the assistant chief constable of Wiltshire, Peter Vaughan, were also among the guests.

On their arrival, they were greeted by Patrick Paisey, the new chairman of Salisbury district council, David Faber, a former MP for Westbury and now chairman of the board of trustees at Clouds, Nick Barton, the chief executive of Clouds, and Tony Mond, another trustee.

The royal party met with staff before the duke unveiled a plaque to mark the charity's birthday and his visit.

They also enjoyed a tour of the grounds and the chance to speak with some of the charity's 35 patients.

Mr Barton said: "It was a great opportunity to mark an important milestone in Clouds.

"We have grown considerably in many ways since the first patient was admitted to Clouds House, in April 1983.

"We are now the leading trainer nationally of addictions counsellors, offer a range of services to families affected by addiction across the south-west and run treatment and rehabilitation programmes in the Bournemouth community."

To coincide with the royal visit, Clouds launched a 21st anniversary appeal, which asks people to make a donation of £21 or more.

Clouds House offers help, hope and freedom from alcohol and drug dependency.

Men and women aged 18 to 75 and over are admitted for a six-week treatment programme, which combines detoxification and the initial psychological withdrawal and adjustment to an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle. This is followed by structured after-care days, which patients are expected to attend for a minimum of 12 sessions.

If you would like to make a donation towards Clouds' anniversary appeal, contact the charity on 01747 830733.