Wills' thrill at meeting pioneer arrival Alford

PRINCE William hailed the Windrush generation as he met one of the first arrivals as part of a Daily Mirrorbacked Pride of Britain documentary.

- RUSSELL MYERS

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush docking at Tilbury, the hour-long programme will tell the story of those who left the Caribbean for a new life in Britain.

The Prince of Wales this week met Alford Gardner, 97, who came over on the Windrush in 1948 and went on to work in the engineering industry in Leeds.

For 75 years Alford has been a pillar of his community, establishing the Caribbean Cricket Club, where youngsters honed their skills.

The documentary charts Alford's rich life and contributions to his community, from serving in the RAF to having his portrait commissioned by the King to mark the anniversary.