CAMILLA, Duchess of Cornwall, championed the joys of reading and met with teenage girls who have been sexually exploited on a visit to a North-East town.

As patron of the National Literacy Trust she joined in a creative writing workshop led by children’s author, Vivian French, in Middlesbrough Central Library before she was greeted by 500 local school children in the town’s Centre Square where she presented certificates to winners of the ‘Love Middlesbrough’ poetry competition.

Looking tanned and wearing a sage green coat over a matching dress, HRH spent time chatting to teachers and pupils who all received a copy of ‘Harry Potter – Build a Magical World’ Lego book from Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation.

After shaking hands with the club’s mascot ‘Roary’ she headed to mima gallery of modern art gallery for a drinks reception and a private tour.

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, which has led the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign, said one in six people nationally had poor levels of literacy yet the figure was up to 40 per cent in some areas of Middlesbrough.

The Duchess of Cornwall said: “I really want to thank everybody and congratulate you for the wonderful work you are doing her in literacy. I have seeing the growing self-confidence it has given them reading stories and books and you are going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can come back again in a couple of years and see the progress you have made. I have enjoyed my visit very much indeed.”

As President of Barnardo’s since 2007, HRH was then driven to its service for Sexually Exploited Children on the Street, Middlesbrough. The outreach service targets youngsters hanging around parks or shopping centres who could be at risk of sexual grooming and raises their self esteem through creative projects.

The teenage girls sang two original songs based on their past experiences in front of the Duchess who said she was impressed with their career aspirations which included being a secondary school teacher and a midwife.

Wendy Shepherd, Barnardo’s Children’s Services Manager, said: “For the young people to have the recognition that a member of the royal family has taken the time to listen to their stories and how they have moved on is a real boost.”