THE Duke of York made official visits to a school and three business centres in the county on Tuesday - including the Kent Messenger Group's headquarters at Larkfield, near Maidstone.

In the morning the Duke opened a new extension at Pluckley Primary School, near Ashford.

Later he visited the Kent Messenger's HQ where he was greeted by the High Sheriff of Kent, Tony Monteuuis, and Edwin Boorman, chairman of the KM Group. He also meet other VIPs, including the county's new Chief Constable, Mike Fuller.

The Duke was in the county in his role as a special representative on trade and investment.

In the afternoon the Duke also visited Kings Hill, near West Malling, to see two businesses which have helped trade and investment in the county. They are Locate in Kent and Aventis Pharma.

KM Group chairman Edwin Boorman told KM-fm why he welcomewd the Duke....