Charity 'honoured' by Sophie visit to new headquarters

A charity has said it was "honoured" to welcome the Duchess of Edinburgh to visit its temporary home while a new headquarters is built.

The duchess is patron of The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey, a charity which supports people facing hardship, poverty and social isolation.

It is soon to occupy Albion House, opposite the town's train station, while a permanent home is built as part of a redevelopment.

"We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness and share the progress being made," a spokesperson said.

The duchess thanked volunteers, who were assisting with packing and moving from the current location in the high street, and viewed the new space undergoing refurbishment.

She also talked to architects and engineers from the development company about the plans.

The charity, which has been active in Woking for 15 years, has been working with development company JRL Group to create the new space.

The firm is leading the wider regeneration of the town's high street, "within which The Lighthouse will be an integral part", the spokesperson said.

The charity spokesperson added: "The conversation explored how the redevelopment will strengthen the charity's ability to support vulnerable people in the community, while embedding social value at the heart of Woking's town centre regeneration.

"This collaboration represents a significant step forward for The Lighthouse and for the people we support, ensuring our services can continue and grow as part of Woking's redevelopment."

The project will ensure that the charity has "a sustainable and prominent place within the town's future" and reflects a "shared commitment to community, compassion, and long-term positive impact", they added.

The charity also has bases in Guildford, Aldershot and Barnsbury.

The temporary headquarters in Woking is due to open later in January.

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