A GROUP of youngsters met with a special guest as they enjoyed their local leisure centre.

Prince Edward visited the £24million On-X Linwood Sport and community Centre, where he spent an hour-and-a- half talking to people who use the sport and leisure facilities and the associated Milldale Learning Disability Centre.

Renfrewshire Provost Anne Hall said: "We are delighted and honoured to welcome His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, to the On-X Linwood Sport and Community Centre.

"The Commonwealth Games has generated a huge amount of interest in a range of sports and activities.

"It is gratifying to be able to show His Royal Highness the facilities we have available to support our athletes and nurture future competitors.

"On-X is also home to the Milldale Learning Disability Centre, which is a key part of the support Renfrewshire Council provides for adults with learning disabilities.

"We appreciate the interest the Prince has shown in its work.

"The Prince's Wessex Youth Trust supports many of the same kind of activities by providing grants to charities for children and young people."

The On-X centre has three swimming pools, including a 25m competition pool, a 600sq m modern fitness suite, a multi-use eight-court sports hall, four well-equipped studios, two squash courts, and a sand-dressed all weather floodlit pitch.

The Milldale Learning Disability Centre offers a wide variety of social, develop-mental and educational activities which are provided through supervised groups.

The centre helps adults who have learning disabilities to develop social, travel and basic domestic skills so that they can live more independently in the community, with appropriate support.

Councillor Jim Harte, convener of Renfrewshire Council's sport, leisure and culture policy board, said: "It is important to this council to provide people of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to lead healthy and active lifestyles."