Camilla Parker-Bowles paid a visit to her home town of Corsham today to formally open the newly refurbished Pound Arts Centre.

The Duchess of Cornwall, who has a home in Reybridge near Lacock, was visibly thrilled to be back home and spent the morning being toured around the new arts centre.

The centre has undergone a £1.2 million refurbishment and is set to become a hub of entertainment and arts for the whole county.

On arrival, the duchess was presented with flowers from four-year-old Megan Moss, who is the granddaughter of former artistic director of the Pound Arts Trust, Gayle Curry-who died away last year.

Prince Charles' wife met local artist Carol Waller, who created a glass panel for the entrance hall, and was treated to a morning of entertainment from the Pound Ballet School and the ActNow Theatre Group.

Zoe Walters, 12, who danced for the Duchess, said: "We only had about ten minutes to practice before but it went really well. She was really nice.

"She asked if we wanted to be professionals and told us that her daughter used to do ballet too."

The Duchess also spent time talking to budding actors after they performed a short piece about love.

John Marley, 13, even had a conversation with the royal guest about Harry Potter.

The filming of the fifth Potter film has been taking place near the Duchess' home.

John said: "She asked me if I had seen the filming in Lacock and she said she had seen it last night and she thought it was all exciting.

"We talked about all the big lights they had up for the filming and she was really nice."

The Duchess even impressed an audience by having a go at writing her name in a calligraphy class.

Mo Elliot, whose group now has a base at the new centre, said: "She got quite a good result for just picking it up. To be put on the spot with all those people gazing at you. It is really difficult.

"She always has come across as quite friendly. We hope we make a lot out of this visit to promote this place."

Artistic Director at the centre, Nicholas Keyworth, said: "I know she has a passion for the arts and she was genuinely interested and asked some intelligent questions.

"This building has been given a new leas of life for the 21st century. It is a springboard for encouraging people to engage in the arts-for the whole of Wiltshire and beyond.

"It is a place fit for a Duchess to visit."

The royal guest rounded off the visit by unveiling a and officially declaring the centre open.

She said: "As I still think of Corsham as my home town it is a real joy to be back once again.

"I hope that I will be able to come back soon for the next stages of the project."