VIDEO: Duke of Edinburgh officially opens West Yorkshire Police’s £38m training base

Duke of Edinburgh arrives at the police training facility at Carr Gate near Wakefield.

The Duke of Edinburgh flew in to officially open West Yorkshire Police’s £38m training centre in Wakefield.

After arriving at the Carr Gate centre by helicopter, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Mayor of Wakefield June Cliffe, Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns Williamson and temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins.

He was then taken on a tour of the centre, by head of training Superintendent Dave Lunn.

During his tour he saw how the county’s officers prepare to deal with the day to day realities of 21st Century policing on the streets of West Yorkshire.

The training centre, which opened last summer, has facilities which include a firing range and a Public Order Training Centre, made up of mock buildings and street layouts.

After a firearms demonstration officers took part in a training exercise simulating violent scenarios in which they used batons and handcuffs.

The Duke looked on as ‘rioters’ threw rocks at officers before the teamwork of mounted officers and riot officers managed to contain the violent gang amongst the replica street scene.

Afterwards the Duke spoke to the officers.

Duke of Edinburgh chats with police officers.

Shaun Leworthy, one of the officers leading the training exercise, said: “I think the Duke enjoyed it.

“He seemed to be getting involved a little bit.

“It is a fantastic facility we have got here. It’s first class and really enhances their training.”

Demonstrations in conflict resolution tactics were also given.

At the end of the tour staff at the base waited for the Duke to unveil a plaque to officially open the training centre.

The Duke said: “First of all can I just congratulate everyone who has had a hand in getting this thing built because it really is quite an establishment.

“I am sure that everyone who’s going to work here will enjoy it.”

The guests laughed as he added: “They better had do because there is not going to be another one like it for some time.”

He also told the audience to pay “particular attention” as they watched the “world’s most experience plaque unveiler”, before revealing the plaque.

The new facilities are regarded as being among the best in the world.