Pythons, goats and llamas were among the animals on show as Princess Anne made a whistle-stop tour of the Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre.

The Princess Royal, pictured at the sturgeon tank, toured the centre in Heckmondwike to look at its pioneering recycling schemes and meet staff members, many of whom have learning disabilities.

Stepping out of a royal helicopter which landed at the centre, the princess wore a grey jacket and skirt, topped with a pair of stylish sunglasses.

Cheering parents and children waved Union flags as she was introduced to Howard and Maureen Cook, who established the centre about six years ago.

The princess chatted to schoolchildren involved in an environmental project in the centre's Playlab.

The Batley High School pupils were taking part in a project to create fridge magnets and clocks using recycled items.

Craig Scott, aged 11, was one of the lucky youngsters who spoke to the royal visitor.

"I told her how I had made some fridge magnets and clocks and I was very excited to meet her," he said.

After a quick tour and chat with staff at Jurassica - an area containing exotic plants - and the reptile house, Princess Anne met head gardener Eric Abbot.

"The princess asked me how I manage to look after all this space and I just explained it all to her," said Mr Abbot. "She sounded impressed by our work."

Visitor Sylvia Rothery, 73, said: "It's the first time I've seen royalty. I was thrilled to bits."

The princess had a look at the Cardboard to Caviar project, which involves volunteers with learning disabilities shredding cardboard for use as animal bedding.

Once soiled, it is brought back and distributed in worm beds at the centre. The worms eat the cardboard and make it into compost.

When the worms get fat they are fed to sturgeon on the site who produce eggs - the delicacy, caviar.

After looking at the horticultural unit and allotments, the princess thanked her hosts for an enjoyable stay before being whisked away by helicopter.

Graham Wiles, project manager of the Green Business Network, which secures funding to establish recycling schemes at centres such as Ponderosa, said the princess had found the tour interesting.

"She was asking loads of questions of myself and Mr Cook," he said. "Ponderosa deserves the credit it has received. It has had a real impact on the community."

Maureen Cook said: "The visit has been wonderful. There's been a really relaxed atmosphere. She seemed to really enjoy it."