The Princess Royal visited Keighley this week to learn first hand about the work being done to help people who have been traumatised by crime - especially in the aftermath of the Bradford riots.

The Princess, who is patron of the National Association of Victim Support Schemes, heard how the local branch had dealt with 300 police officers and members of the public following the riots in July.

Keighley and District Victim Support - which last year took over the Bradford branch - offers both emotional and practical support, and deals with cases ranging from burglary and assault to rape and the families of murder victims.

President of the Victim Support scheme Elizabeth Bennett welcomed Princess Anne, who was wearing a red skirt and red jacket with green and blue checks over a cream roll neck blouse, and showed her around the Cavendish Street building.

Elizabeth said: "The visit was marvellous. The princess was very knowledgeable about the work we do.

"She was a very easy guest to entertain. She spent a long time talking to the staff and had a word with almost everyone there.

"The visit was a great boost for the organisation. It was very encouraging."

Co-ordinator Pat White talked to Princess Anne about the huge amount of work involved in expanding services when the Bradford office folded in 1999 amid allegations of poor management.

Pat said: "We discussed how we were determined not to let the standard of our service slip, even though we were dealing with a larger number of people.

"I told her that work had increased dramatically and so we went from two part-time staff to having a senior co-ordinator, a co-ordinator, a full-time assistant co-ordinator and two administrative assistants. Another part-time assistant co-ordinator is due to start next month."

The Princess, who stayed for almost an hour, spoke to various board members, staff, volunteers and victims. Members of Bradford Fire Service and Witness Service volunteers also met the royal visitor.

The Princess was presented with a posy of flowers by two young girls, Nadia and Shaista, who were assisted by Victim Support after their house was burgled in May.

When asked by the Princess how the organisation helped her cope with the trauma, Shaista said: "They helped us quite a lot. They have given me some confidence back and gave me a personal alarm to carry round the house in case anything happens again."

The Princess spent a long time talking to young people about how they became involved with the organisation.

Volunteer Rukun Ahmed, 19, said: "She is in favour of recruiting more young people. She believes they relate well to younger victims of crime.

"She talked about schemes in other parts of the country where colleges make it possible for students to become volunteers."

Chairman Zafar Ali said: "We are very privileged that the Princess could spare the time to visit us in Keighley. She didn't act like a princess. She was very easy to communicate with."

The Princess Royal thanked everyone for the work put in so far and wished the organisation well for the future.