PRINCESS Anne visited a charity-run residential care home to see why they are trying to raise £190,000.

The Princess Royal spent this afternoon meeting staff and residents at Treetops in Highwoods.

The home is run by charity Livability, which she is patron of, and provides 24-hour nursing and personal care in 21 self-contained flatlets.

Chair of trustees Caroline Armitage said: “It is so special for the residents and for the local community when her royal highness visits.”

The charity has just launched its Home Design Appeal, and is trying to raise £190,000 for new, more accessible kitchens for residents.

The new designs have sinks and counters which can be lowered so they can be used by someone in a wheelchair, as well as pull out cupboards.atlets.

Princess Anne last visited Colchester to officially open the castle in March last year.

Read the full story in tomorrow's Gazette.