A SURVEY published last month claimed that whomever you get to turn on your Christmas lights reflects the kind of neighbourhood you live in.

If this is true then Middleton in Teesdale must surely be listed among the creme-de-la-creme, for it has attracted non other than the Prince of Wales to perform this year's switch on when he pays a visit to the upper dale next Friday.

The Prince, in his capacity as president of Business in the Community, will be in Middleton to pay his second visit in just over two years to the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS), which provides advice and support to the farming community.

Since his first visit in October 2002, when he received a rapturous welcome from a community recovering from the foot-and-mouth crisis, he has been kept up to date with the work of UTASS via his secretary. And when approached to officially open an addition - Kirk Caryn House - which serves the wider community, including a drop in centre for young people, he readily agreed.

When the D&S Times spoke to project manager Diane Spark she was awaiting confirmation of the Prince's itinerary from Clarence House, with some major alterations to the original plans on the horizon. But the Prince is expected to meet some of the users of UTASS services, donors and volunteers before unveiling a plaque at Kirk Caryn House.

"We are absolutely delighted to be the recipients of a second visit and hope it's going to be a fabulous day for the community," said Ms Spark.

As part of his visit, His Royal Highness has also been invited to switch on the Christmas lights. The event is a real community occasion and this year includes a farmers' market, carols relayed on an organ driven by a traction engine, a children's roundabout, seasonal songs from the children of Middleton School and music from Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band.

One of the Christmas lights' volunteers said: "We're obviously excited about Prince Charles switching on the lights, although in one way it is a bit of a comedown. We usually get the Queen to do it; the carnival queen that is."

Earlier in the day the Prince will pay a visit to Swaledale Woollens at Strawbeck, Muker, to meet staff and knitters there.