UNION Jacks and distinctive black and orange flags 750 flags turned Chard into a colourful town fit for a princess on June 11, 1985.

Crowds thronged the street hoping to catch a glimpse of Princess Anne as she visited the town to mark its 750th anniversary of the granting of borough status.

And during her three-hour visit, the crowds cheered, snapped pictures and waved flags to make it a day to remember.

The princess arrived by helicopter at noon.

Crowds gathered in the streets up to two hours before the princess flew in – the first royal visitor to Chard in 300 years.

Just before touchdown, 750 children from local schools formed a ‘Chard 750’ pattern nearby, before dashing off to line the pathway to the Kingfisher Pool.

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The princess was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for Somerset, Lt Col Walter Lutrell, who later presented Mervyn Ball, chairman of the 750 committee.

On the way to the Kingfisher Pool, the princess stopped to speak to an excited group of children.

At the pool, after performing the opening ceremony, she watched a synchronised swimming demonstration given by members of the Chard and Ilminster Swimming Clubs, in their smart royal blue, red and white costumes.

Her next stop was Chard Museum for a special 750 exhibition.

At the Guildhall, while accompanied by Mervyn Ball and the Mayor, Princess Anne was presented with a basket of flowers by 11-year-old Robin Ball.

The flowers were created by Lynn Williams of Holyrood Florists and Garden Shop.

Catering at the Guildhall was provided by Joan oliver, of King Athelstone Drive, Chard.

After the meal – which consisted of smoked salmon, ox tongue and roast beef salad, followed by raspberry pavlova, fruit, coffee and rum truffles – she was presented a 750 porcelain plate by Chard potter Ian Batten.

Princess Anne met Rev Basil Jenkyns at St Mary’s Church, and spoke to representatives of 23 voluntary bodies in Chard.

The royal completed her historic trip to Chard by returning to Holyrood School, speaking to members of uniformed organisations, and then taking off 40 minutes late.