Health Secretary John Reid told people to support the Prince of Wales and "get off his back" during a visit to the North-East yesterday.

Mr Reid spoke out as he and Prince Charles visited a planned new mental health facility in Ryhope, on the outskirts of Sunderland.

On Tuesday, the prince was identified as the person Diana, Princess of Wales believed was plotting to kill her.

The Daily Mirror said Charles was the name previously blacked out in a letter in the possession of former royal butler Paul Burrell.

Mr Reid said: ''He has been through a lot and people should be fully behind him.

"We should be supporting him and getting off his back."

Hundreds of well-wishers ensured there was a warm welcome for the prince as he arrived in the North-East for a day of engagements.

Schoolchildren from across Sunderland were waiting outside the city's railway station to greet the royal visitor and they cheered as he emerged in front of the crowds.

The prince appeared to be pleased with the reception he got from the shoppers and children who were waiting behind barriers amid scenes of tight security.

He spoke to Muriel Lloyd, 65, of Barnes, Sunderland, who said afterwards: ''I told him we were pleased to see him here.

''We are really royalist and went to London for the Jubilee and always like to see the Royal Family up here.

''I even fly the flag from my bungalow.''

Mrs Lloyd added: ''I really think Charles is very caring.''

The prince was first visiting the steam museum at the former Ryhope Pumping Station on the outskirts of Sunderland.

Dave Smith, 56, a volunteer at the pumping station, said: ''I don't think he has anything to worry about. It's total rubbish what is being said.

''It's nice to see him looking happy and relaxed. He did not seem too spaced out over what's being going on.

''I think after what he has gone through this week, he has come out at the end of it smiling.''

Tracey Evans, 39, was at the gates of the pumping station to welcome the royal visitor.

As his car passed, she shouted: ''Keep smiling, Charles. We all support you.

''We don't believe those letters.''

He then headed for Cherry Knowle Hospital before travelling to Gateshead.

There he saw restoration work at St Mary's Church Visitor Centre and heard about regeneration in the area.

Later, Charles visited St Oswald's Hospice in the Gosforth area of Newcastle to meet staff and patients.