THE Prince of Wales is visiting the region today.

Prince Charles, who last visited County Durham in 2012, is in Durham this morning before visiting Barnard Castle later in the day.

He is due to unveil a plaque in memory of his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes, at St John’s College at Durham University, before officially opening Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral.

He will also attend a concert at Durham Cathedral, which is being held in honour of Sir Hubert Parry before meeting members of the public on Palace Green at 1pm.

His Royal Highness is also scheduled to meet firefighters, police officers, ambulance staff and members of the mountain rescue service at Barnard Castle’s Emergency Service Centre, which opened last year.

The visit concludes at the Bowes Museum, where he will look at the collections, meet volunteers and watch the famous automated silver swan in action.