His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, opened Intech 2000, the £11m Hampshire Technology Centre Trust interactive science facility at Morn Hill, Winchester, on Monday.

In brilliant sunshine, he was welcomed to the landmark building by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan.

He met county council and civic officers, trustees of the centre, staff and supporters who had made the project possible.

Tony Cardigan, chief executive of the centre for 17 years until his retirement in August, gave Prince Philip a tour of the interactive exhibits that have made Intech such an exciting place for the teaching and learning of science, maths and technology.

He watched Joshua Gates, of Sun Hill Infant School, Alresford, on a bubble machine and, when he was shown the highest submarine periscope in the UK425ft above sea levelit prompted him to recall his own navy days.

He saw the equipment library, which provides a loan service to schools, and the workshop where the exhibits are made.

In consultation with teachers, they constantly update and create new machines to demonstrate scientific and mathematical principles in a fun way.

Colin Brook, one of the first trustees, outlined some of the history of the Technology Trust since it was set up in 1985: "Intech is the result of the hard work and vision of many people," he said.

"Together, they forged partnerships with teachers, local authorities, universities, industry and the Millennium Commission and the result is this wonderful resource."

The duke, who has been president of the British Association of the Advancement of Science since 1952, said: "The future of this country depends on the work of scientists and engineers. This is a marvellous placemany congratulations to you all. May it be enjoyed by children of all ages for many years to come."

Since the centre opened to the public in August, Intech has welcomed over 10,000 visitors. More than 50 schools from Hampshire and the South of England have already made bookings for study days this term.