Princess Anne carries pretty posy as she joins young sailors at Southport regatta

Princess Anne brought a royal touch to Southport with flowers on Saturday as she joined young sailors for a major Sea Cadets competition on the town's Marine Lake.

The Princess Royal visited Waterside Lodge on Marine Drive in her role as Patron of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, attending the organisation's National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta.

The event brought together Sea Cadets from across the country, with young competitors putting their sailing and windsurfing skills to the test while taking part in a weekend centred around teamwork.

Anne has a long-standing connection with the organisation and serves as Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, making the regatta a particularly fitting engagement for the royal.

Her visit was also listed in the Royal Diary, while excitement had been building locally ahead of her arrival. 

Residents reported spotting a large helicopter landing on a field at Montgomery Avenue, adding to the sense that something rather special was happening in Southport.

Waterside Lodge, which sits beside Southport Marine Lake, provided the setting for the national competition. 

Anne's appearance also shone a spotlight on the role Southport Marine Lake and Waterside Lodge play in giving young people the chance to experience watersports and outdoor activities.