A MEMBER of the royal family paid a special visit to recognise the vital work of Hampshire emergency services and authorities this week.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, visited the COVID-19 Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG) to thank the leaders who have worked to keep the people of the county safe during the pandemic.

The vital work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum (LFR) has kept essential services running and co-ordinated the work of various agencies and partners.

The Earl attended the meeting which had some members dial in from home while others observed social distancing at the Hampshire Fire and Police shared headquarters in Eastleigh.

In addition to attending the meeting, The Earl also visited the control room which has remained staffed throughout Coronavirus.

The LRF SCG Chair and Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin said: “It was a great honour to be visited by The Earl of Wessex and explain what we have been doing at a local level.

“Staff from every organisation have been working hard to keep vital services running, in these challenging circumstances, with many agencies taking on roles outside their normal remit.

“The Earl expressed his thanks and appreciation for the work of the group, individual partners and their teams.”

After the meeting His Royal Highness spoke to directors of Public Health England, the NHS and military colleagues as well as senior fire service representatives.

The LRF is made up of emergency services, councils, health authorities, military personnel and others.