HER royal visit was a long-time coming but HRH Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, said she was impressed by the Peace Centre and its work on conflict when she toured the facilities today.

The wife of Prince Edward, who is the Queen's youngest son, was due to visit the centre last year but torrid weather conditions forced her to postpone her trip.

Luckily, the British weather did not stop the countess from landing in Warrington this time to see first-hand the work of the centre, which was established in the memory of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, who lost their lives in a terrorist bombing 21 years ago.

The countess toured the building and heard about the Foundation’s work to prevent, resolve and respond to global violent conflict. 

She also met people who had been directly affected by terrorism and political violence and who form part of Survivors for Peace programme which assists in recovery and increases social participation to promote action so people can find their normal lives.

Wendy Parry, who first came up with the idea to build a centre, said: “Colin and I are so proud of what has been achieved in the boys’ names and in trying to ensure that other families do not experience the loss we feel every single day.

“The Peace Centre is vital to our work and also in housing the Warrington Youth Club and the work of the NSPCC.  It is a unique memorial and working building that helps make a difference to people’s lives every single day."

During her tour of the centre, the countess also visited the Warrington quarters of the NSPCC, who are based at the Peace Centre.

Alex Modder, NSPCC service centre manager, said: "We’ve got a highly skilled and dedicated team in Warrington, delivering innovative services that bring help and support to children who may have suffered abuse and neglect.

"The services we provide mean that many children and families can face their futures with hope, so it was wonderful that we were able to share this with the countess.”

Speaking after the visit, Peace Centre chief executive Nick Taylor said: "She was incredibly knowledgeable about what we do and it was important for us that she met some people that we have worked with.

"These are people who have had terrible experiences in their lives.

"She was just so impressed with the building. She described it as a onion, you just peel the layers off and you just find more and more inside."