THE Duke and Duchess of Devonshire paid a visit to the Beamsley Project.

They met with trustees, staff and visitors and enjoyed morning coffee in the new lounge, which has been created in the former chapel of the Beamsley Methodist Church.

The work was made possible with a substantial donation from the Lyndale Tree Trust.

Trustees were delighted to be able to show the Duke several changes since his last visit and to discuss future developments. The Chatsworth Estate has agreed to lease part of a field behind the Beamsley Project to provide a quiet relaxing area for recreation.

Project chairman the Rev Rex Owen said the next development would be to upgrade bathing facilities in the centre and fundraising was going ahead to pay for the work. Recently, young Oliver Platt, from Silsden, organised a sponsored swim to raise money for the Splash campaign.

Brenda Dickinson, the secretary of the Friends of Beamsley Project, said it was good to have the continuing support from the Duke and the Duchess as the publicity helped to raise the profile of the Beamsley Project as volunteers were needed to join the Friends.

Details can be obtained by contacting the Project on 01756 710 255 or emailing info@beamsleyproject.org