PRACTITIONERS from across the globe gathered in Stroud to mark the 30th anniversary of the School of Homeopathy.

Dozens of homeopaths and alternative therapists from as far afield as Canada, India and Japan flew over to show their support for the centre, which moved from its original home in Devon to Hawkwood College two years ago.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales even sent his warmest congratulations to mark the event and wished the school every success for the future.

The weekend-long celebration included a private party, seminars and presentations from visiting practitioners that were broadcast online and watched by more than 1,800 other homeopaths in 60 plus countries.

Stroud’s former MP David Drew made a speech, as did the school’s founder Misha Norland and principal Mani Norland, who said: "This incredible event was our way of celebrating the school’s achievement of 30 years at the forefront of UK homeopathic education.

"Never before have so many influential homeopaths come together to present at one free online event – it is truly world class.

"We are honoured and proud to be given the added endorsement from the Prince of Wales and we feel it was a great gift to give the profession and a fitting way to mark the year for us."

Founded in 1981, the school has always been at the cutting edge of homeopathy and was one of the first to offer an on-site four-year programme.

Last year it appointed six of the world’s leading homeopaths as patrons and most recently is planning a considerable update to its distance-learning program with the inclusion of over 150 teaching videos.