Prince Charles, who has given his personal support to the regeneration of Ripon, is to be made a freeman of the North Yorkshire city at a ceremony in the cathedral on October 24.

The decision by the Prince of Wales to accept the honour in what has been described as "Britain's great little city", is seen as a major coup for Ripon.

The prince has been credited with playing an influential role in Ripon's emerging regeneration.

He has visited twice in recent years to see how improvements were progressing - on one occasion surprising regulars at the Royal Oak pub, in the city centre, by popping in for a pint.

Mayor of Ripon Councillor Bernard Batemen said it was delighted the prince had accepted the invitation to become a freeman.

It will be the second time he has seen the prince receive the honour. He was a councillor at Cardiff when the prince was installed as a freeman there.

Ripon council wants to involve a cross-section of the public in the ceremony, due to be attended by 600. It is inviting ten children from each of the city's schools and has asked each councillor to invite ten people from his or her ward.

Detailed times for the prince's visit have yet to be announced, but he will also meet business leaders at the newly-opened Ripon Library. High on the agenda will be regeneration of market towns.