There was a buzz in the air as Poundbury was treated to another special visit from the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles, who turned 70 earlier this month, paid a royal visit to the model village yesterday to officially open Dorchester Community Church – Poundbury's first church, which has recently relocated to new premises in Liscombe Street.

He also opened a new housing development in Peverell Avenue East.

Charles was greeted at the church by pupils of Damers First School, who presented him with a birthday card and information about a tree planting project which they recently completed.

The prince spent time meeting church members and volunteers, as well as chatting to mums in the busy 'Community Tots' toddler group in the church hall. He met a prayer group and the Butterflies Cancer Support group who are based in the new building.

Jo Chant, who runs Community Tots, said: "Everyone really enjoyed being able to meet Prince Charles, it made the group feel valued. It's lovely to feel that the church is appreciated."

Rosa Adams, who helps to run the Butterflies group, said it was "amazing" for the group to have been recognised by the Prince of Wales on his visit.

Church member Dee Stone baked Charles a huge 70th birthday cake, which was presented to him by Pastor Roger Frapwell as he unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the church.

His Royal Highness said: "I'm very glad to open this splendid new community church in Poundbury."

Mr Frapwell said: "We met Charles a year ago when this was just an empty shell. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to be the only church in Poundbury, and this is only the start."

The church, which moved to Poundbury earlier this year, offers a range of services and is well used by the community. It contains a small café and holds a number of groups for people of different ages. For the last three years, the church has also hosted a family fun day on the Great Field.

Funding towards the building of the new church was aided by Dee Stone who baked 1000 brick-shaped cakes, which she sold to raise much-needed cash.

She said: "I really feel like we are at home here, I love it. We wouldn't have been able to accomodate this many people in our old church.

"People are so friendly and we all help each other as much as we can."