THE Ribble Valley became the Royal Valley when the Prince of Wales paid a visit and charmed his way into the hearts of local people.

The Prince bowed to little Elena and Hanna Charles, from Hurst Green, as they waited outside Chipping Village Hall.

The tots, aged three and four, enjoyed a chat with the royal visitor, who complimented them on their pink outfits.

The Prince's whirlwind tour began when he stepped from the Royal train at Clitheroe's award-winning Interchange. From there he visited the Platform Gallery to meet children from Brookside Primary, Clitheroe, artist Suzanna McCulloch and glass artists Jenny Cork. He received a commemorative tie and plaque before unveiling a plaque at the gallery.

He then enjoyed a walkabout among an enthusiastic crowd, including Rennie Pinder, Chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, who chatted with him about the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Mr Pinder said: "He was wishing us all the best and he said it was brilliant that we made a profit last year. He is a real rural guy.

Prince Charles then unveiled the new flagship Bowland Transit Bus, to be launched in the spring for residents in hard-to-reach villages.

Chatburn 14-year-old Emma Wood landed a dream ticket aboard the bus after joining a team of youngsters who compiled a report last year calling on public transport bosses to make buses and trains more teen-friendly. She said: "I was looking forward to meeting him, although I got a bit nervous."

Another enthusiastic reception erupted at Chipping Village Hall, where farmers waited to discuss the outbreak and aftermath of foot and mouth. An exhibition hosted by Lancashire Rural Futures, a Lancashire County Council project aimed at regenerating the Forest of Bowland area, included sheep-milking, organic cheese-making and a farm plastic recycling scheme.

The Prince tucked into local farm-assured beef served by celebrity chef Nigel Haworth, of Northcote Manor, Langho, then chatted about diversification to Tosside farmer Tony Holland, of Bowland Outdoor Reared Pork, who had roasted a hog in the village hall.

Chipping farmer Peter Stott, who is a pioneer of Lancashire Rural Futures and former Lancashire chairman of the National Farmers' Union, presented the Prince with a hamper of local produce.

The Prince was given a final farewell by a choir from St Mary's RC and Brabin's Endowed Primary Schools in Chipping, who performed their version of I Have a Dream.

Hilary Dickinson, 37, and Shirley Hayhurst, 39, both of Chipping, watched their sons perform. Shirley said: "They've enjoyed all the buzz and haven't talked about anything else."

Julie Marsden of Wrea Green, brought along her three-year-old son Andrew and said: "It is something he will remember for a long long time to come."

Kath Lloyd, of Loud Mythom Farm, was one of the first to speak to Prince Charles in Chipping, as she waved her Welsh flag. She said: "He asked about Chipping village and I said it was a wonderful place to live. It was well worth an hour-and-a-half wait."

Frances Wilson, 50, of Longridge, said: "I will not wash my glove now after he shook my hand. I'm so pleased to have seen him."