WELLINGTON has welcomed a very special visitor to town.

The Duke of Wellington came to his name sake town in what is only the second ever visit.

No one holding the title has come to Wellington, since Arthur Wellesley visited following his victory in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Wellington Town Council and MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, welcomed Charles Wellesley to town on Monday, September 23.

He also visited the museum, and Wellington Monument.

Kathryn Hemensley, town clerk, said: "This was a super event for the town and the monument.

"It was a real pleasure for us all to meet the Duke.

"He was a real gentleman in all respects, very keen to meet local people, and it was clear to us all how genuinely interested he was in the historical artefacts shown to him at the museum.

"He greatly enjoyed walking to the monument with the children and guests to hear an update about the fundraising and the miserable weather did not dampen anyone’s spirits."

The Duke was presented with a special gift while he was at the monument.

The town council gave him a oak-framed mounting of engraved bronzes, relating to the first Duke of Wellington's achievements.