ANNE'S HECTIC DAY IN SUSSEX

PRINCESS Anne sported a pair of shades and a light summer suit to stay cool during a birthday bash at Lancing College yesterday. The Princess Royal helped teachers and pupils celebrate the college's 150th anniversary and arrived up at noon for a service of thanksgiving in the college's landmark chapel before enjoying smoked salmon and champagne in a giant marquee. The Princess was escorted around the grounds of the 500-pupil school by head Christopher Saunders and then laughed and joked with a group of prefects. Tim Rushmere, 18, of Upper Beeding, said: "It was quite an occasion. I thought I would take it my stride but when the moment came, I was nervous." And for cleaner AnniePilbeam, 57, of David Close, Lancing, meeting the Princess was the highlight of her 22-year years at the college. She said: "I really enjoyed meeting her but I was ever so nervous." Flanked by security guards, the Princess Royal then made her way to Lancing Parish Hall where more than 150 locals were massed on the hall steps. The Princess was there to officially launch a new Counselling for Carers Service run by the Lancing and Sompting branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau. She then set off for her next tour appointment at Worthing Hospital. The Princess started her visit to Sussex yesterday morning at Fordwater School in Chichester, where she watched teachers using the latest techniques to help severely handicapped pupils. She also visited the Chichester headquarters of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society before going to Lancing.