THE Ministry of Defence has played down reports that Prince William damaged an aircraft during his RAF training at a North Yorkshire air base.

According to reports, William grounded the Tucano aircraft after flicking a switch that caused the plane to overheat.

But the MoD said today that no damage was done as a result of the incident, which happened as the heir to the throne underwent a 12-week pilot training course at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, last year.

A ministry spokesman said: "No damage was done to an aircraft during Flight Lieutenant Wales Tucano training whilst on attachment to the RAF."

Joe Watt, manager of a firm which services Tucanos flown by the RAF, said William inadvertently overcooked the turbo, leading to the propeller-driven plane being sent in for servicing.

York-based Mr Watt said: "He flicked the wrong switch on shutdown, and overcooked the turbo. I think he switched it back on.

"He's not the only one, weve had two or three."

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the aircraft's engine was not damaged during the incident.

William earned his RAF wings in April last year, becoming the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to qualify as an RAF pilot.

He is currently training to become a search and rescue helicopter pilot.