THE Prince of Wales visited Poundbury to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his visionary development.

The Prince toured an exhibition to mark the anniversary and unveiled a plaque to officially open a specialist supported housing scheme at Dorchester's urban extension.

He stopped in a few shops and chatted to residents as he made his way on foot to Buttercross during his visit yesterday afternoon.

The Duchy of Cornwall got in some practice on being a granddad when he met one of Poundbury's youngest residents, 14-week-old Scarlett Coleman.

Proud mum Amy Nash said him holding her baby was a moment she will not forget.

She said: “Prince Charles asked how old Scarlett is and said he needed to get the practice holding a baby.

“It will be a great story to tell her that she has been held by royalty.”

The Prince viewed an exhibition documenting the tale of the development over the past two decades and joined local residents at a reception to celebrate the anniversary.

Warwick Taylor, of Poundbury Residents' Association, said it was an honour to meet the prince.

He said: “Poundbury is a place you either love or hate but it grows on you in time.

“It's very exciting that Prince Charles taking such an active interest in his development and the people who live here.”

Local resident Hilary Metcalfe said His Royal Highness was relaxed and chatty when he met them.

Sue Walker, also from Poundbury, said: “He wanted to know where we shop and said he wants to come back when Buttercross bakery is open and have a croissant.”

The Prince's final engagement was a visit to Cambridge Court, a block of seven self-contained flats for adults with learning disabilities, where he met residents and partners from the East Boro Housing Trust before unveiling a special plaque to mark the official opening.

Alan Coolman, whose 21-year-old daughter Nina lives at Cambridge Court, said it was fantastic to met him.

He said: “Nina has rett syndrome and has lived here since March last year.

“She gets what she needs when she needs it here and it's great for the facility to get the recognition it deserves.”

Chief executive of the East Boro Housing Trust Kevin Hodder said: “It's been fantastic and a great privilege to have the prince here.

“The tenants have been very excited and he spent a lot of time with them, asking about how they enjoy living here.”

n rachael.burnett@dorsetecho.co.uk PANEL TWENTY years ago Poundbury was merely a dream but now, just halfway through the Duchy of Cornwall's project, more than 1,600 jobs have been created and 2,250 residents enjoy the expansion of Dorchester.

The uniquely-designed streets, alleyways, courtyards and open spaces now form a community of residents who are proud and passionate about Poundbury.

Phase One saw the development of Pummery Square and Brownsword Hall and the majority of the existing housing and businesses in the area.

When the tenth anniversary of Poundbury was celebrated in 2003 the second phase of the development was in its infancy but another ten years on and the urban village has grown into a thriving community.