The Duke of Gloucester was in Eastleigh yesterday to officially open a £2.5m state-of-the-art community building.

The Pavilion on the Park, on the edge of Fleming Park, replaces the Nightingale Centre which was opened more than 40 years ago by the late Princess Margaret.

After unveiling a plaque to give the new youth and community complex a royal send-off, the duke said: "It is a great pleasure to follow in my cousin's footsteps and open this splendid building."

Challenging years The duke, who was met by community leaders and architects involved in the project, was shown a Daily Echo cutting telling the story of the old Nightingale Centre.

He also spoke to former Eastleigh mayor Councillor Godfrey Olson, who played a major role in getting the old youth centre off the ground.

Jim Vaughan, chairman of the Eastleigh Youth Trust, said: "It has taken eight long and challenging years to get this far but we have a terrific facility for the 21st century."

The royal visitor also met the Nightingale Ambassadors and pupils from Nightingale and Quilley Schools, who created an eye-catching mosaic at the back of the new hall. He also chatted to residents and representatives of the Army Cadets, Air Training Corps and Red Cross, who will share the pavilion.

It was then a short trip up the road to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for the next royal engagement, where the duke officially opened the brigade's new £3m fleet maintenance centre.