PRINCE Edward mingled with the people of Taunton today during a royal visit to the town.

The Earl of Wessex eagerly watched demonstrations of wheelchair basketball, hockey, badminton and boccia – similar to boules – by members of the Somerset Wheelchair Sports Club (SWSC) at Taunton Vale Sports Club.

He embraced the friendly, energetic and ‘have-a-go’ nature of the club, even trying out one of the three new wheelchairs which were donated to the club by Taunton School.

David Cooke, SWSC Chairman, said: “It was brilliant – he was very engaging and interested and had some knowledge about disabled sports.

“He so wanted to talk to everyone that we ran off the schedule!

"It’s great to get a bit of publicity and nice for the people here to meet someone so important.”

The club is highly inclusive, consisting of able-bodied and disabled players of all abilities, ages and genders.

Member Gary Hart said: “I’m really glad Prince Edward came today, to raise awareness of the club and try and encourage people to come along.

“Sometimes we struggle for numbers, but I would highly recommend it – we have fun and I have made some really good friends.”

The Prince spoke to the coaches of each sport while games were in progress, as well as the sportsmen and women themselves.

Louise Sedgebeer, a keen wheelchair basketball player, said: “I had never seen him before and I am really excited to have met him.”

The Earl of Wessex thanked everyone involved for their time and wished them well for the future.

There are two sessions at Taunton Vale every Tuesday -from 6pm to 7pm people have a chance to have a go at a variety of wheelchair sports, while 7pm to 8pm is dedicated to wheelchair basketball training.

For more information about the club, visit www.somersetwheelchairsportsclub.org.uk.