The Princess Royal visited a Chelmsford company to meet award-winning staff and learn about the work they do to reduce reoffending.

Princess Anne was at Essex Community Rehabilitation Company's head office at Victoria House in Victoria Road on Wednesday to meet two winners of last year's Butler Trust Awards - Hannah Hunt and Paul Brown.

The Princess is a patron of the Butler Trust, a charity that celebrates excellent and innovative practice by probation and prison staff.

Hannah, from Wivenhoe, was awarded the prize for her outstanding contribution to equality and diversity.

She said: “It was really lovely to have the Princess here and she was keen to hear about my work in the equality field. I’ve now taken on a new role as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Anglia Ruskin University and that is thanks in part to the professional development programme offered to me by the Butler Trust.”

Paul, a Housing Liaison Officer from Brentwood, was recognised for the high level of dedication, skill and creativity he has brought to the role.

Paul said: “It has impressed me just how much depth of knowledge the Princess has about criminal justice. She is genuinely interested in hearing about what we do and the challenges we face in our day to day work.

“Although it was me who received the Butler Trust award, it could just as easily have been any one of my colleagues – all of whom work extremely hard. It was great that many of them were able to meet the Princess and talk to her about their work.”

The Princess also met staff working in a range of roles across the county and heard about the work they do to help others to turn their lives around.

Speaking at the event, Alex Osler, Essex CRC’s Director said: "Days like today are important moments for us. They remind us that other people value what we do and have seen our commitment to changing lives, reducing reoffending and making a difference to our communities."