HUNDREDS of people turned out to see the Earl and Countess of Wessex during their whistle stop tour of the Forest of Dean last Thursday.

The royal couple arrived at the Vantage Point Business Park in Mitcheldean by helicopter.

Earl Edward was immediately treated to his first driving lesson in a road sweeper that was emblazoned with a union flag livery.

Pupils from Mitcheldean Primary School waved their union flags to greet the royal couple.

For more on this story see The Forester, or click here to view and buy pictures from the Royals' visit to the Dean.