A County Durham teenager was delighted to meet and photograph Prince William during his visit to the North East yesterday (April 30).

William was visiting the newly opened James' Place, in Newcastle, which aims to help men with their mental health.

During his visit he was greeted by a crowd of royal enthusiasts who wanted the opportunity to speak to him and shake his hand.

The Northern Echo: Prince William visit

It is the third centre to be opened by the charity, which was founded in 2008 by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley, following the death of their son James.

The Newcastle University student took his own life aged just 21 after he was unable to find the urgent help he needed to deal with his suicidal thoughts.

The prince is a long-standing mental health advocate.

Lewis Langstaff-Wood, 15, is studying for a GCSE in photography and he has always been a big royal fan.

The Northern Echo: Prince William visit

He went up to Newcastle to see the prince with his mum Laura to try to take some pictures of the occasion.

Lewis said: "I thought it was quite surreal. It wasn't a huge visit like I usually go to.

"Meeting the prince is always a big deal. He shook my hand and he said hello. 

"He was brilliant with the children that were there. He was really engaged and asked lots of questions.

"Everybody was loving it."

The Northern Echo: Prince William visit

His mum Laura described how Lewis has always been interested in the history of the monarchy and the family try to attend any royal visit to the North East.

She said: "He (Lewis) wants to be a royal photographer. 

"When we heard that Prince William was coming up to the region we had a look at James' Place and thought going up to Newcastle would be better.

"It was amazing. There were people there waiting for him as early as 8.30am in the morning.

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"We arrived at 11.30am and the prince arrived later at 1.30pm. It was lovely, he shook hands with everyone and thanked people for coming.

"Princess Anne came to Seaham a couple of weeks ago. We were at the Queen's funeral too.

"We saw King Charles in Bishop Auckland two years ago."