At Access in Vittoriosa, Princess Anne was shown around the place by Appogg chief executive Joe Gerada, among other people.

Here she met the various workers in most of the departments within the

complex.

Soon after this visit, Princess Anne

proceeded to the recently-completed Cottonera Sports Complex, where she watched children practising judo and

table tennis.

Here Princess Anne, who was shown around by Education Minister Louis Galea, was also introduced to various officials of several sports clubs.

Later, Princess Anne proceeded to St Joseph Home in Santa Venera where she attended a special concert by the Royal Marine Band for around 400 underprivileged children.

The concert, which took place in the courtyard of St Joseph Home, was attended by children from all Church homes, as well as the Young People’s Unit at Mount Carmel, the Hospice Movement, the Angel Tree Club and various other schools in economically disadvantaged areas.

“Today is a very special occasion and the HSBC Cares For Children Fund is delighted to have been able to offer these children the opportunity to listen to a band, such as the Royal Marine Band, perform some of the most popular children’s songs,” said HSBC Bank Malta plc’s Shaun Wallis.

The HSBC Cares For Children Fund believes that recreation is fundamental in helping children who have faced tremendous difficulties to fully develop their potential and the Fund is committed to organising more of these events, said

Mr Wallis.

Also present at the St Joseph Home were Catherine Gonzi, chairman of the HSBC Cares For Children Fund, HSBC chairman Albert Mizzi, and Fr Victor Zammit McKeon, Director of Church Homes.

During her visit to St Joseph Home, the Princess Royal also had the opportunity to learn about the various educational, rehabilitation and recreational programmes which the HSBC Cares For Children Fund supports.

Princess Anne was in Malta to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Malta’s Independence.

She returned to England yesterday evening.