THE Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have agreed to become patrons of an historic theatre in the region.

Charles and Camilla accepted the invitation from the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, after visiting the 18th Century venue last month.

Royal spokesman Ben Overlander said: "They so enjoyed their time, which was evident by the speech given by the Prince of Wales during their visit, that they were delighted to accept the offer to become joint patrons."

This will be the Royal couple's first joint patronage since their marriage.

They helped Richmond celebrate the 850th anniversary of its first market charter.

Lady Crathorne, chairwoman of the Georgian Theatre Royal Trust, said: "We are thrilled that their Royal Highnesses have agreed to accept our invitation to become joint patrons.

"It is a very great honour that is enormously valued by us all."

Vaughn Curtis, theatre manager, said: "This patronage will give a boost to the ongoing development of the theatre.

"It is an accolade to the hard work and dedication of the staff, volunteers, trustees and the community who have worked and supported the theatre throughout the years."

During their visit, the couple were given a guided tour and met trustees, staff and volunteers.

They then took their seats in the Shakespeare box for a short play about the history of the venue. The play was performed by six members of the youth theatre group.

It featured the spirit of the theatre founder, actor Samuel Butler, which urged the youngsters to keep the venue going.

In a speech after the show, the Prince described the theatre as a feather in Richmond's cap.

He also recounted his own acting days while studying at Trinity College, Cambridge.

The theatre was built in 1788. It was in regular use until 1830 and was then let as an auction room in 1848.

A restoration began in 1960 and the grade I-listed building re-opened in 1963.

A second £1.6m restoration began in 2002 after which the theatre re-opened in September 2003.