TAUNTON is preparing for two Royal visits within a week.

The Earl of Wessex - Prince Edward - is dropping by on Wednesday, April 25, when he will be at County Hall and then Richard Huish College.

At the former, he will plant a tree to commemorate the 50th anniversary last year of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Then he will move on to Richard Huish, where he will meet current participants and supporters of the scheme, as well as some local award holders from the last 50 years.

He will also tour the college, meeting staff and students, and have lunch with some of the young people who study there.

The following Wednesday, May 2, Taunton will welcome the Duchess of Gloucester, who is coming to officially open the refurbished Calway House residential home.