A COLD drizzle failed to dampen The Duke of Edinburgh’s spirits as he visited Dover and nearby Walmer.

At Dover, the Duke gave the royal seal of approval to a new boat. He went on board the Trinity House rapid intervention vessel Alert to meet the crew and to see the vast range of equipment which it carries.

The royal visitor was welcomed at the Western Docks by Bob Goldfield, chief executive of Dover Harbour Board and he was then introduced to Commodore Peter Melson, Director of Operations and Asset Management for Trinity House,

On board the vessel, the Duke met First Officer Roger Swinney, Second Engineeer Pete Tindall, Second officer James Donnelly, and AB/Mechanics James Gorham and Vince Lord.

Prince Philip was so interested in all the equipment on board the boat that he stayed much longer than planned. He was particularly interested in the wreck buoys and was given a demonstration of how they work.

As well as touring the wheelhouse, he was shown around the accommodation, mess room and galley, as well as the engine room.

Alert was built for Trinity House in response to the 2002 Tricolor disaster in the Dover Strait. Tricolor, with its cargo of BMW cars sank in 25 metres of water and later two ships collided with the wreck and there were a number of near misses.

Trinity House had been concerned that such an incident could occur in British waters and this incident provided the impetus the Shipping Minister needed to approve the building of THV Alert.

Alert is capable of undertaking buoy maintenance which makes her a cost-effective vessel for Trinity House. She also houses highly sophisticated hydrographic equipment, capable of modern surveying standards, and is also available for a range of commercial activity.

Built by Remontowa in Gdansk, Poland, the boat was launched in October 2005.

The vessel is 39.3 metres long with a beam of 8 metres and a draft of 2.5 metres.

At Walmer, the Duke made it a day to remember for the residents of Trinity Homes, St Clare Road, when he greeted the community of mariners in his role as master of the corporation of Trinity House.

The royal visitor was received by Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, before being greeted by Rear Admiral Jeremy de Halpert, deputy master of Trinity House, Douglas Potter, nether warden, Peter Galloway, secretary of the corporation and Carole Furness, homes supervisor.

The Duke unveiled a photographic portrait to mark his visit before touring one of the 20 newly refurbished bungalows.

One resident, Brenda Bates, 78, whose husband, Jack, was an naval engineer, has lived at Trinity Homes for six years.

She said: "I told The Duke we are very lucky to have a home in this wonderful place. He was an extremely friendly man. It is certainly a day to remember."

Capt John Jarvis, 71, who served in the merchant navy for 22 years and has lived at the complex for seven years, said: "I made a presentation to The Duke in order to thank him for his presence.

"The Duke said he was pleased to be down on the sea visiting us all. I exceptionally enjoyed the visit."