DARWEN’S first royal visit in 42 years will take place in July.

Princess Anne will officially open Darwen Leisure Centre at lunchtime on Monday, July 5 - more than 77 years after her great uncle Prince George, Duke of Kent, opened Darwen Baths on March 29, 1933.

The Princess Royal will be joined by Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Charles Kay-Shuttleworth and dignitaries including Darwen MP Jake Berry and council officials.

Mr Berry said: “I’m delighted that Her Royal Highness will be visiting Darwen.

"It’s nice to think that the original baths was opened by a member of the royal family and there will be a sense of continuity.

“This visit will really put Darwen on the map and highlight what a fantastic facility we have to the whole of the North West.”

Town mayor Paul Browne, said: “I’m really looking forward to the visit. It’ll be a proud day for Darwen.”

Specific details on the visit are being kept a closely-guarded secret until nearer the day, so not to put the Princess's security at risk.

Council leader, councillor Mike Lee, said: "We are delighted that the Princess Royal will be opening Darwen Leisure Centre.

"I am sure she will enjoy her visit and the opportunity to see the new leisure centre, which is proving extremely popular.

"It is a privilege to welcome her Royal Highness and it will be an extremely memorable day for everyone involved."

Coun Trevor Maxfield, executive member for leisure and culture, said: "I have met her before during my time in the armed forces.

"It's an exciting time for Darwen with the opening of this new multi-million pound facility and we are looking forward to showing it off."

The last time Darwen was touched by royalty was on Friday, May 17 1968, when the Queen visited the Walpamur paint and wallpaper factory in Hollins Grove.

Belgian prince Jean d’Arenburg also visited the company on November 5, 1964.

The £12.7million Darwen Leisure Centre opened to the public for the first time on Friday, January 29 this year, replacing the 1933 building on the same Green Street site.

The three-storey centre has state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, small pool, main gym with eighty pieces of equipment, fitness studio, sports hall and activity rooms.