Prince William officially opened brand new facilities at a medical centre for injured servicemen and women.

The prince, who is based in RAF Valley in Anglesey, visited Headley Court on Friday to open up the Help For Heroes Rehabilitation Centre.

The £8 million centre was funded by money donated by the public to the Help For Heroes charity, which was formed in 2007.

Bryn Parry, the charity’s co-founder with his wife Emma, made the first speech at the opening, in front of a crowd of guests that included former Eastender and documentary maker Ross Kemp and SAS legend Andy McNab.

In his opening speech Mr Parry paid tribute to Princes William and Harry for their role in fundraising for the charity as well as the public who had donated money to the cause.

“This facility will stand as a lasting tribute to the affection and support the people of Great Britain feel for those who serve in our Armed Forces.

“It hasn’t been created by a few corporations making large donations. The vast majority of the money has come from the hundreds and thousands of ordinary people who have done their bit to raise the funds for the complex and they continue to raise funds. Every single contribution is valued,” he said.

During Prince William’s speech he spoke of when he and his younger brother Prince Harry first visited the centre two years ago.

“When my brother, Harry, and I first came to Headley Court two years ago, we were unsure about what to expect.

“As soldiers, we had heard of the great sacrifices of our fellow servicemen, the horrific injuries being suffered by them in the service of our country.

“We expected to find a place of suffering with, perhaps, a pervading atmosphere of desolation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Here reigns courage, humour, compassion and, above all, hope for the future,” he said.

After the centre was officially opened Prince William took part in a tour that included the centre’s brand new swimming pool and gym complex, chatting to some of the patients on the way.

One of those he spoke to was Royal Marine Dave Corcoran who was using an ‘aqua jogger’ to restore the strength to his legs.

Corcoran, 36, from Dublin, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his legs in Afghanistan in March last year but is now on his way to a full recovery.

Talking to the prince he said: “This place works miracles. Considering the damage I sustained to be at this stage where I can run on the running machine is great. I will make a full return to service next January.”