He saw mills and warehouses at Sowerby Bridge wharf which have been transformed and are now home to apartments, restaurants and businesses.

The royal visitor got a right-royal welcome from people in the town during the two hour visit.

Sowerby Bridge pensioner Jean Macdonald said: "I was here to see him last time he came and it's always lovely to have such a famous face in our town."

Anthony Parker, father of Annabelle and Harriet Parker, five and three, pupils at Bowling Green Primary School who presented the Prince with flowers, said: "They were both really excited but he was really friendly."

One of the restored buildings is now home to the 12th Halifax Sea Scouts.

Leader Mark Holroyd said: "It is a bit overwhelming but we have all put in a huge amount of work and it is very touching for the Prince to acknowledge it."

The Prince also spoke to representatives of the Nestle Fund, who were responsible for his first visit to Calderdale in 1987 as President of Business in the Community - it provided low interest loans to help improve the appearance of many neglected buildings.

• Full story and more pictures in Tuesday's Evening Courier.< /

strong>