Her Royal Highness Princess Anne dropped by a horticultural college to open its multi-million pound centre.

The Princess Royal saw Capel Manor College’s school of animal management and saddlery renamed after herself.

The new centre at the college, in Bulls Cross, cost £3.6million and be offered to pupils from across the capital.

College Principal Dr Steve Dowbiggin OBE said: “We are delighted by this honour. It really gives Capel students kudos, we know we are one of the best Colleges in the country but this underpins that.

“The renaming of our School recognises the interest shown by Her Royal Highness in this aspect of our activities and the encouragement she has given us over the years to invest in this area to ensure Londoners have access to the best facilities in the country if they are interested in studying animal management, saddlery or related industries.”

Princess Anne was given a tour of the college including the new centre which has an exotic and reptile animal housing, laboratories, classrooms, a dog grooming parlour and a teaching veterinary unit.

Vice Principal, Malcolm Goodwin said: "These new facilities will give those studying at Capel vocational opportunities equal to the best in the world - our horticultural, floristry and garden design facilities are already second to none.

“Along with the new centre for the School of Arboriculture and Countryside Management - will mean everyone lucky enough to study at the College will have access to a unique experience.”