PRINCESS Anne unveiled the plaque at the new John Paul ll Centre, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Bicester yesterday.

She said: “To do this in this day is no mean achievement and I offer my congratulations to all of you.

“You can enjoy it now it is here and the next two or three generations will be able to enjoy it as much as you have.”

Father Paul Martin said: “This remarkable building has been six years in planning and hard work and it is testament to all the people who made it happen.

“It is for the community and we are hugely proud of it. It is a much-needed facility right in the heart of Bicester.”

The Princess Royal also met members of the two steering groups involved in planning and raising cash for the building, as well as eco town builder P3Eco.

Children from St Mary’s School also had a chance to chat with the princess.

Chairman of P3Eco (Bicester) Ian Inshaw said: “We are extremely proud of our achievements on this project.”

The £1.6m building includes solar panels, triple glazed windows, traditional heating, a hi-tech air pump cooling/heating system similar to an air conditioner, and low energy lighting.