A new police training centre was opened by HRH Princess Anne in Clevedon on Friday.

The Wilfred Fuller VC Operational Training Centre is named after a World War One hero who worked for the police in Clevedon in the 1930s.

Demonstrations by horse and dog units were carried out to celebrate the occasion.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “It was an honour to have Her Royal Highness Princess Anne come and mark the opening of our fantastic new Wilfred Fuller VC Operational Training Centre.

“I could see the officers and staff were bursting with pride as they demonstrated the work they do.

“This new state-of-the-art operational centre will provide a regional hub where we train our officers and staff to the highest standard, as well as working collaboratively with our partners in the fire and rescue service as well as the ambulance service.”

The police bought the former Hand Equestrian Centre back in 2015 and they decided to name it after a World War One Lance Corporal.

While serving in France in 1915, he demonstrated outstanding bravery during a battle when he pursued an enemy group along the trenches, defeated them and captured 50 people single-handed.

In recognition, he was handed the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace and Fuller is the only person in the force’s 180-year history to be bestowed the honour.

John Fuller, his son, said: “It was an honour to be at the ceremony and have the Princess Royal open a building that is named in my father’s honour.

“The whole family are delighted Wilfred has been honoured in this way and the whole day was very special and overwhelming.”

Police Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “It was a tremendous day with some fantastic displays from officers and staff who will be using this facility, alongside partner agencies and other forces around the region, to ensure we are providing the highest standard of service to our public and keeping them safe.”