GAINSBOROUGH will get its second visit from royalty in less than four years.

HRH Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, is to officially open the brand new West Lindsey District Council headquarters in Marshall's Yard on April 18.

The announcement that the prince, who visited the town to open Whittons Mill back in April 2004, has accepted the invitation was announced last week and chairman of the council, Coun Mel Starkey, is thrilled by the news.

"Our new headquarters means that our staff in Gainsborough who were once on four sites are now on one and this has huge benefits for the authority.

"It also means that the sites we once occupied can now be part of the regeneration plans which have breathed new life into the town.

"Our new headquarters also incorporate energy conservation which contribute towards making it the most environmentally friendly public building in the East Midlands.

"I am delighted that the project will be honoured by a royal visit and I am sure the day will be a real celebration for the whole district, because the opportunities the new building creates will be enjoyed by the whole district," said Coun Starkey.

Prince Edward branded Whittons Mill as "fantastic" on his last visit to Gainsborough on Thursday April 29, 2004.

He spent a rainy few hours touring and opening the £3.8 complex on Bridge Street. He also met key town civic dignitaries including the then Mayor of Gainsborough Coun Harry Clarke and the then chairman of West Lindsey District Council Coun Irmgard Parrott.

Town residents braved the showers to line the streets to wave Union Jack flags to welcome the prince and district council leader Coun Reg Shore hope people will do the same in two months time.

He said: "I really hope the people of Gainsborough will line the streets and come to Marshall's Yard to give the Earl of Wessex a wave when he comes back here for a second time to open the Guildhall.

"This event is a mark of how far, we as a town, have move on and we have got recognition for this.

"It is very exciting and Price Edward obviously likes Gainsborough - it will be a great day."