THE Duke of Edinburgh visited the Bowles Outdoor Centre at Eridge Green, near Tunbridge Wells, yesterday to open new staff sleeping quarters.

But it was not his first visit to the East Sussex centre, which offers management development and adventure training, plus snowsports courses using its dry ski slope.

For in 1969 Prince Philip was there to open a hostel for up to 72 people attending courses at the centre, whose patron is actor and Everest explorer, Brian Blessed.

The hostel has been at the heart of a £1,037,000 refurbishment programme currently being undertaken by the Bowles Outdoor Centre, a registered charity.

After meeting staff, students and VIPs, Prince Philip unveiled a commemorative plaque before returning to London to attend the annual reception of the Air League, of which he is patron.