RACEGOERS at Worcester got a surprise this evening when a very important guest turned up.

The Duchess of Cornwall was at Worcester Racecourse to cheer on the runners and riders.

Camilla arrived at the Pitchcroft course at around 6pm by car.

She was quickly ushered into the grandstand but not before she was spotted by some bemused punters.

Among them was our reporter Cathy Anstey, who said: "I happened to be standing close to the entrance when a black Audi pulled up and who should get out, but Camilla.

"She was very quickly escorted into the County Enclosure, and hasn't been seen since.

"One or two racegoers did spot the Royal visitor, but there was no fuss made."

Camilla is thought to be at Worcester to watch her horse Mollyanna in the 7.05pm race.

The Duchess bought a share of Mollyanna, a six-year-old mare, earlier this year after she won the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall Mares Maiden Hurdle in May.

The horse, which is worth about £25,000, is the latest addition to her stable of National Hunt runners and is trained by Jamie Snowden in Lambourn, Berkshire.

This evening's meeting is the Angel Hotel Pershore Plum Festival Racenight, marking the beginning of the award winning Pershore Plum Festival.

A spokesman for Worcester Racecourse said: “We can confirm Camilla is here, yes.

“There will be no further comment during the race meet”