The Prince of Wales will today enjoy a traditional pub lunch with a group of farmers and a local dominoes team during a visit to the Yorkshire Dales.

The Prince will also be joined by a local knitting group for the cosy meal in the Farmers Arms, in the picturesque Swaledale region of North Yorkshire.

Charles will be touring the famous Swaledale Wool shop, before unveiling a plaque to mark its 30th anniversary.

The store, which was opened by a group of local businessmen, revived the region's wool-making traditions in the 1970s, after more than a century of decline.

Swaledale's wool industry dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and later found fame through James Herriot's novels.

Charles, a passionate supporter of conservation and heritage projects, is also due to unveil a plague to mark the official opening of the Stonemasonry Centre of Vocational Excellence at York College.

The college is one of only five in the country to train students in the traditional trade, which is once again in high demand.

He will then meet staff and students, after a tour of the building's stonemasonry and bricklaying training areas.

Charles will finish his whistle-stop tour of the region in Teesdale, Co Durham, where he will drop in to the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services.

The Prince last visited the organisation, which promotes regeneration in the region, shortly after the foot and mouth crisis two years ago.

He will officially open their new premises, before switching on the town's Christmas lights.