WINCHESTER welcomed a royal visitor today as Camilla Parker Bowles embarked on a tour of the city.

The Duchess of Cornwall, dressed all in green, made three stops, the first of which was at the city's new Discovery Centre in Jewry Street.

She was greeted by dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan, and spent more than an hour touring the revamped library, which cost £7m.

Camilla met youngsters from St Bede Primary School in the children's library and was all smiles as she joined in as Anne Marley, Hampshire County Council's children and schools services manager, told them stories.

The Duchess then visited the City Space exhibition room and saw the huge textile piece put together for the centre by Winchester artist, Alice Kettle.

Camilla also watched a session put on by members of the Theatre Royal's education workshop group and visited the IT room, which was being used for a weekly class for the visually impaired.

Finally, she was shown around the King Alfred exhibition, before unveiling a plaque to officially open the centre.

Camilla said: "It's a fantastic centre and I hope I shall be asked back again one day to see more of it.

"Congratulations to everyone involved."

Next stop was the Bendicks chocolate factory at Winnall, where the Duchess was welcomed by managing director Paul Seftel.

She was then introduced to the other Bendicks directors before being whisked off for a tour around the factory and to meet staff.

On her arrival Camilla said to Mr Seftel that she was a great fan of Bendicks chocolate.

The company has a long history of supplying the royal family and received its royal charter in 1962.

Mr Seftel said he was honoured and delighted by the Duchess's visit.

After her tour, Camilla was presented with a yard of chocolate by Mr Seftel.

She was due to complete her tour with a visit to the Hospital of St Cross.