THE official opening of Monmouth's historic, revamped Shire Hall next summer could be a Royal occasion.

A meeting of the Town Council on Monday evening heard that approaches had already been made to the Prince of Wales' staff, to see if he would carry out the official opening.

Counc Sue Chivers said work on the Shire Hall would be completed in March and by mid-summer the Town Council will have returned to its offices in the building.

Meetings of the Council will, from then, be held in the old courtroom, she said.

Already, plans are being made for an official opening in about the third week in June.

"Prince Charles's staff have been contacted about him carrying out the opening" said Counc Chivers.

Meanwhile, arrangements are also well advanced concerning the Charles Rolls' centenary, the meeting was told.

A co-ordinator has been appointed to arrange all the celebration events, and that person will work on the arrangements with Andrew Helme, at the Museum.

Counc Chivers reminded the meeting that Rolls had flown across the Channel just five weeks before his tragic death.

She said a plaque would be erected in the field where Rolls died and the whole area would be tidied up.