THE Queen visited Dover on Wednesday, opening two new berths at the port, seeing the Bronze Age boat in the town's museum, and watching youngsters learning sailings skills at the Watersports Centre.

Security was tight for the visit which started when the Royal visitor flew into the Eastern Docks by helicopter to official open berths eight and nine, which accommodate the latest and largest cross-Channel ferries.

She was welcomed by the chairman of Dover Harbour Board, Robert Dibble, and chief executive Bob Goldfield before being taken to the new passenger services building where she was greeted by more than 200 flag-waving port staff and families.

Her Majesty was introduced to a wide range of the port's management and representatives of customers including the five ferry companies, cruise lines and shipping agents.

She then unveiled a commemorate stone tablet to mark the opening of the port's £37million investment in two ferry berths and associated infrastructure.

Mr Dibble then said that next year the harbour board would be celebrating the 400th anniversary of the granting of its Royal Charter by King James I.

Mr Dibble presented the Queen with the first copy of a specially-commissioned book recording the port's royal history.

The Queen was then driven to the town's Market Square where crowds were waiting to welcome her outside Dover Museum.

She was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, the chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Pat Heath, and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral the Lord Boyce.

The Queen was taken to the gallery where the 3,500-year-old boat has been on display since it was discovered in 1992 while workmen were digging at Townwall Street in connection with the new A20 road into the town.

The Queen's third call was at the Watersports Centre on Dover seafront where she met leaders and volunteers who help young people learn a wide range of sailing skills, including yachting, canoeing and windsurfing.

This was the Queen's first official visit to Dover for nearly 50 years. She visited with the Duke of Edinburgh in 1958 on her way back from a State visit to the Netherlands.