Royal opening for sports stadium

Prince Edward pays his first visit to Carlisle

A sports stadium in Cumbria is set to get a Royal seal of approval when it is officially re-opened by HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Sheepmount Stadium in Carlisle plays host to a variety of sports clubs and has been given a £3.6m refit.

It is Prince Edward's first visit to Carlisle and he will be welcomed by a number of civic dignitaries.

Earlier, he attended a special service at Lanercost Priory near Brampton with the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.

The church was marking the 700th anniversary of a six-month visit by King Edward I, with the dedication of a commemorative stained glass window.

Dramatic transformation

In Carlisle, the Prince will take a tour of the Sheepmount Stadium and watch pupils from Stanwix Primary school take part in sporting activities.

Councillor Mike Mitchelson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: "I'm delighted to welcome The Earl of Wessex to Carlisle.

"The Sheepmount has undergone a dramatic transformation and it will be great for it to get a Royal seal of approval.

"I'm sure he will be impressed with the new state-of-the-art facilities."