Princess Anne paid a visit to south Bucks this week to lend her support to “the beginning of a new era” for an animal charity in Saunderton.

Her Royal Highness arrived to The Grange – HQ of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – in a helicopter on Monday afternoon to help launch their appeal to raise funds for a new building.

During the visit the princess was shown demonstrations of how the animals help people with hearing problems before giving the command for one well-trained dog to officially unveil the engraved foundation stone.

Addressing the event’s guests, HRH said: “It has been a privilege to have seen how Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has grown into its role.

“What we need now is to safeguard the future of the charity. So making The Grange, which is one of our greatest assets, sustainable for the future is really important.

“The centre will be the only venue of its kind in the UK and will be created specifically for those who experience deafness and hearing loss.

“Talk to us today and consider whether you would like to be part of this story which makes such a difference to the community we serve and we are a part of.”

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People launched an appeal to raise funds for a new 2,500 square foot welcome centre, which was recently granted planning permission, to coincide with the charity’s 35th anniversary next year.

The centre will include a restaurant, a shop, seating for 90 guests as well as an education exhibition space and will require in the region of £1 million to complete.

Eastenders actress Pam St. Clement, one of the charity’s long-time celebrity ambassadors, said: “This was a very important day – it was the beginning of a new era really.

“Princess Anne is always amazing. When she takes on a charity she doesn’t just float in and out – she’s knows exactly what it is about and her heart is in it.”

The charity has trained over 2,200 dogs across the country to alert deaf people to important sounds such at the doorbell, telephone and fire alarm.