THE Prince of Wales says he is delighted to continue in his role as the patron of a Dales trust for a further five years.

In a message in the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust's annual review, he wrote: "The Dales are a very precious part of our country inhabited by some remarkable and special people.

"But this last year, the resilience for which they are renowned has been sorely tried by the unimaginable horror brought by the scourge of foot-and-mouth.

"However, I am delighted that the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, of which I am so proud to be patron, has done, and continues to do, so much to conserve, protect and improve this wonderful countryside and the communities which live within it.

"I look forward with the greatest anticipation to my next visit to the Dales - a part of the country for which I have the greatest affection."

Trust director Iain Oag said he was delighted that the prince had agreed to continue to support to the charity.

He said: "His patronage has always been very much hands-on and he has taken a keen interest in our environmental work.

"On his visits to the Dales, he has taken the time to see some of the projects first-hand and to encourage everyone involved.

"The news that he is to extend his patronage could not have come at a more welcome time, as we embark on a fresh round of conservation work and improvements to help in the regeneration of the area after last year's crisis."