HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Bowles Outdoor Centre this week to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The site, founded by John Walters, was bought for a deposit of just £100 in 1961 but has grown to accommodate 130 people and also includes a wide range of outdoor activity facilities including 2 ski slopes and a heated pool.

John first built the chapel using local craftsmen and then the club house which is now the chalet.

Richard Hardwick, Bowles’ director said: "The aim of the day was to celebrate 50 years of success and to celebrate the many people who have made Bowles into the amazing outdoor centre it is today.

"We wanted to spoil the children and give everyone an unforgettable day to make the spirit soar."

100 schoolchildren from across the South East took part in a wide range of activities during the Duke's visit.

The occasion was marked with the burial of a time capsule which contains mementos from the first 50 years of Bowles, and letters, thoughts and visions of some of the young people who were there on the day.

The children have been invited to return to the site on Sandhill Lane in 50 years to dig the memories up.

Mr Hardwick said the Duke, who has been the Patron since 1964, was warm and friendly and engaged with everyone, he added: "The Duke is clearly proud to be associated with Bowles and the work that we do to help young people to achieve their potential.

"We are proud to have such a Royal patron who has visited the centre 5 times in 50 years.

"This association gives Bowles the recognition that it deserves and helps the charity to make important friends in high places, but above all it makes everyone proud to be involved in the work that we do supporting children and young people through the outdoors.”

In its 50th year The Bowles Rocks Trust is raising money to support disadvantaged and disabled people to take part in courses in the coming years.

Bowles is a charity for young people. Its aim is to bring the benefits of adventurous and outdoor activities to young people, regardless of disadvantage or disability.

The centre is based around Bowles Rocks, one of the few rock crags in the south east of England where climbers can practice on real rock.

Since the 1960s it has been transformed from an overgrown pig farm into one of the country’s leading outdoor centres.