Princess Diana was given a warm welcome when she visited Irvine 25 years ago to officially open Red Cross House.

Excited crowds braved bitter weather to line the streets on Tuesday, November 24, 1992 awaiting the arrival of the princess.

Diana delighted residents and schoolchildren by going on a short walkabout in Tarryholme Drive despite the poor weather.

During the visit the then Princess of Wales called into the centre for its official opening a quarter of a century ago – with work now beginning for NAC to reopen the centre in 2019.

On the approach to Red Cross House she spoke to numerous people including Annie Clarke of Tollerton Drive.

Mrs Clarke said at the time: “She is a terrific woman. She shook my hand twice and said I was well wrapped up against the cold.”

Ann McCrorie of Bilby Terrace said: “She’s lovely and very natural. She just shook my hand and said hello.”

During the visit to Red Cross House Diana was escorted by the charity’s executive Robert Lacey and Claire Dixon-Carter, Scottish Central Council chairman.

The princess spent two hours in the town which also included a visit to the Woodlands Centre. Dignitaries earlier met with the Princess as she arrived in the town and was presented with flowers by Lisa Copland, then 11.

Bernard Devine, Cunninghame District Council Chief Executive and his wife Alice shook hands welcomed Diana to Irvine, alongside MP Brian Donohoe, Council convener Stuart Dewar and Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran Major Richard Henderson.

Cllr Dewar said: “She said the flight up was pretty bumpy but she was glad to be here.”

The popular princess spent 10 minutes shaking hands and chatting to residents before entering Irvine’s rehabilitation centre for disabled residents.

Glebe Primary pupils clapped, cheered and waved a huge poster welcoming Diana. Inside the complex she unveiled an official plaque and signed a portrait of herself after visiting Billy Moore in his specially adapted home in the centre.

The princess was shown the centre’s day facilities, the health suite hydrotherapy/leisure pool, library, restaurant and workrooms.

Diana watched eight disabled residents play a bowling game, and knelt beside the swimming pool to chat to residents.

Irvine residents called to Diana and waved as she left Red Cross House to continue her visit to Ayrshire tour to Cumnock.