A charity which aims to give bereaved families breathing space to come to terms with their loss at a suite of beautiful cottages in West Cornwall was yesterday honoured with a royal visit.

The Duke of Kent toured Sand Rose, at Marazion overlooking Mounts Bay, where he met trustees, staff, fundraisers and beneficiaries.

The green sanctuary was created by Angie MacDonald after she was widowed suddenly and left to take care of her son at the age of 30.

Now 44 and remarried, Ms MacDonald is at the helm of the registered charity which provides an oasis for other bereaved people who can take holidays in one of the cottages on the site.

Keith Butterfield, chairman of trustees, said it was a huge honour for Sand Rose to welcome the Duke, who lost his father in a wartime accident when he was a child.

"As a young charity we are at a particular stage where the visit by HRH the Duke of Kent will be immensely significant for us.

"It will enable us to fully consolidate ourselves as an important part of bereavement support in this country."

Mr Butterfield said Sand Rose offered something unique to families coming to terms with their loss.

"We raise awareness of the need for this kind of break amongst national and local bereavement services.

"The breaks are an opportunity for bereaved families to come to new surroundings, a place where they can reflect, relax in a peaceful setting without life's normal demands, spend valuable time together, share new experiences and create new memories as well as being more free to be with their experiences of loss."