A Hampshire charity received a boost when it welcomed The Countess of Wessex yesterday.

She visited the city's Homestart offices and saw children at The Lanterns Centre in Weeke.

The Countess spent 40 minutes touring the premises, and seemed in her element and relaxed as she chatted to parents and their little ones.

Following the tour, she said: "It is been a pleasure to meet all the volunteers and families. Good luck with the scheme here, and I hope it goes really well."

The charity has more than 300 branches across Britain, but Winchester's was only created last year.

It has already trained around 30 volunteers to aid families in need of help. The volunteers visit families for a couple of hours each week to provide advice and support, making parenting a little easier.

Sally Stewart, one of Homestart Winchester's patrons, added that the people who needed their help came from all walks of life.

"It has nothing to do with money or background, it's about whether that person needs help."

She added that they were delighted that the Countess had come to visit.

"We're really pleased that she's come to see us. It means a lot to the volunteers, especially as they put in a lot of their own time."

The Countess arrived in an Audi and was wearing a pastel blue jacket and skirt along with cream-coloured shoes. She was introduced to Homestart staff, volunteers, and Winchester mayor, Cllr Sue Nelmes.