PRINCE Charles was greeted by artists young and old on his visit to Dorset.

The Prince of Wales returned to Poundbury yesterday to speak to people involved in the Open for Art programme of open studio events.

Charles dropped in on his model development after paying a visit to the Forge Orchard affordable housing development in Powerstock, west Dorset.

Richard Biggs, Mayor of Dorchester, said: “We are very lucky to have had Duchy development. Prince Charles is ahead of his time really.”

The homes will be prioritised for local people.

Dignitaries from Commonwealth nations joined the prince for his tour of Poundbury.

In the afternoon Prince Charles visited Poundbury Farmhouse to view the work of several talented artists from the area, as well as meeting volunteers from Boomerang Bags - an organisation that makes free, reusable bags from donated fabrics.

He was presented with two of the bags by children from Damers First School and their teacher Edd Moore. The organisation hopes that the use of its bags will help people to cut down on buying single use plastic.

A number of businesses in Poundbury have taken part in making the bags, including Blanchards Bailey, Embroidery Barn and Litter Free Dorset.

Tom Amery, owner of Brace of Butchers in Poundbury and a volunteer for Boomerang Bags, said: “He was very interested in the use of the material. To get an endorsement like this is very important.”

After talking to crowds outside, Prince Charles went inside the farmhouse to view the art exhibition which is part of the Open for Art project, aiming to feature work from artists of all levels of expertise from across Dorset.

One of his own paintings, a watercolour entitled Caithness, was also on display.

The Prince of Wales praised the Forge Orchard affordable housing development in Powerstock during his visit yesterday.

Forge Orchard is a new development of eight affordable homes built as a result of a partnership between Powerstock & District Community Land Trust (PDCLT) and rural housing specialist Hastoe Housing Association.