RURAL campaigners in the North-East have praised the Prince of Wales for doing "a tremendous job" as an ambassador for local goods and services.

Prince Charles visited the North on Wednesday, staying in a bed and breakfast and sampling local produce in the region's pubs and shops.

He also spent time at Plumgarth's Food Park in Kendal, Cumbria, where he stressed the importance of local sourcing for the area's economy.

Now, the North-East Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is calling on other celebrities to follow the Prince's example and support local produce.

Regional director Douglas Chalmers said: "The CLA has been working hard for years to stress the value to the local economy and we really feel that progress is being made.

"The time is right to move up a gear and help from big names in the North-East could make a big difference."