WINCHESTER had a royal visitor as the Duke of Edinburgh dropped in to meet hundreds of youngsters involved in his famous award scheme.

Peter Symonds college played host to almost 1,000 young people on June 16, 1978, as the Duke arrived by helicopter – piloted by himself.

In around 90 minutes, he spoke with between 200 and 300 youngsters who were engaging in a variety of leisure and sports activities, as well as first aid, ambulance work and social welfare schemes.

The Duke was there to gather a progress report on how the scheme was going in Hampshire, although he also got a first-hand report by watching what was happening and by asking searching questions.

He met with James Munday and David Noyon of Embley Park School, Romsey at the swimming pool where children were learning life-saving skills.

The Duke then met with youngsters carrying out physical activity at the tennis courts before moving on to take in the tapestry and soft toys stall from Bitterne Girl Covenanters.

Before getting back into his helicopter to meet with other Hampshire based award seekers, he inspected the Peter Symonds archery team.

The Duke told the youngsters: “Well done, keep it up.”

On this day…

A loaf of sliced white bread cost 26p

The original soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever was the top selling album.

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were to of the charts with You’re The One That I Want.

People may have been watching The Incredible Hulk on TV.

Gamers may have been playing Space Invaders on arcade cabinets.

Top of the box office was Grease.