A TROWBRIDGE teen played a key role in the opening of a training centre in Clevedon, named after a World War I hero who was the only person from Avon and Somerset police to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Alanna Stanley, who studies equine management at Lackham College, rode in the force's horse and dog parades and also helped groom other animals.

Miss Stanley, 17, said it was a "great honour" to take part in the opening ceremony for The Wilfred Fuller VC Operational Training Centre, which was attended by Princess Anne alongside other West dignitaries.

"It was a very interesting day, learning about the tack and equipment used during the war," she said.

"What a wonderful way to remember PC Fuller."

In 1915, PC Fuller served as a lance corporal in the First Battalion Grenadier Guards in France.

During one battle, he pursued an enemy group along the trenches, defeated them and single-handedly captured 50 people.

PC Fuller, who died in 1947, was one of just seven officiers in the UK and the Commonwealth to receive the Victoria Cross.

After the parade, Princess Anne unveiled a plaque to officially open the building and took part in a naming ceremony of a new police horse - called Wilfred.

Equine lecturer Dawn Parker Watkins said Miss Stanley performed well under pressure.

She said: “This private event saw Alanna working hard to turn the horses out to meet high industry expectations, whilst working with specialized military tack and equipment, to ensure this element of the event ran smoothly and on time.”