PRINCESS Anne praised the work of occupational therapists when she visited the University of Derby yesterday.

The Princess Royal, the national patron of the College of Occupational Therapists, told staff and students she was impressed with how the profession helped people with disabilities and injuries.

Her lunchtime visit was organised as part of the 60th anniversary of occupational therapy being taught in Derby.

During the afternoon, former students and lecturers also got together to celebrate the department at a reunion.

Staff and students had waited patiently for an extra hour to greet the Princess after her travel plans were altered at the last minute.

It had been hoped that her helicopter would be able to land on the university’s sports pitch in Kedleston Road.

But low cloud led to it being diverted to East Midlands Airport, from where she was transported to the university by car.

Dressed in a blue and green two-piece suit and sporting the badge of the College of Occupational Therapists, Princess Anne did not seem worried by the change of plan.

She was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, John Bather, and taken to meet degree students and staff.

Occupational therapists help people to regain independence and adapt to a disability.

They can recommend special tools, to help people perform everyday tasks more easily, and adaptations to homes, such as handrails, bath seats and stair lifts.

Second-year degree students Roberta Stockhill, 20, and Elizabeth Shaw, 19, showed the Princess how an arm splint could help people’s mobility.

Roberta said: “She seemed very interested in what we’re doing and asked quite a lot of questions about our work.”

Elizabeth said: “She seemed very nice and I liked the fact that she understood what we were explaining.”

Two other students, Susan Eastwood, 35, and Sara Fraser, 44, demonstrated another type of splint.

Susan said: “Princess Anne seemed genuinely concerned to find out how comfortable the splint would be to wear.”

During the rest of her time in the university’s clinical skills suite, the Princess was shown an upper limb workshop, along with hoist and wheelchair transfer demonstrations.

Her hour-long visit concluded with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the occasion.

Before she addressed the crowd of staff and students, she said she was pleased to visit the university again.

She paid earlier visits in 1988 and 1991, each time going to the occupational therapy department.

The Princess said: “During 60 years, there have been many changes, including technology which has added a new dimension.

“Occupational therapy has also become much more highly recognised. Thank you for inviting me to help celebrate this anniversary and best wishes in continuing the good work.”

Before she left, part-time disabled student Navinder Vilkhou, 35, presented the Princess with a bouquet.

He said: “She was very down-to-earth and was knowledgeable about occupational therapy.

“She asked me about travelling from Birmingham to Derby to study for my degree and sympathised about the traffic.”

University vice-chancellor Professor John Coyne said he was delighted with how the visit had gone.

He added: “It’s been a splendid occasion and the Princess is a wonderful champion for occupational therapy.”