WILTSHIRE dignitaries were kept waiting yesterday when a train delayed an official visit to Devizes by the Duchess of Gloucester.

But there were still smiles all round when the duchess arrived an hour late to open the Wiltshire Emergency Communic-ations Centre, which houses fire, police and ambulance control operators, in the grounds of the Devizes police headquarters.

She was met by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire David Newbigging, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, the chairman of Wiltshire County Council Jerry Willmott, Cllr Peter Veasey, the chairman of Kennet District Council, and Devizes mayor Paula Winchcombe.

The duchess marked her visit by unveiling a plaque and said: "It is a very special and unusual centre and one which will no doubt be of great significance in Wiltshire for many years to come."

Later, the duchess moved on to open the St James Almshouses.