Residents at a new retirement living development in Poundbury were also treated to a special visit from the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles officially opened the Extra Care housing development for elderly people at Yarlington Melrose Court.

It is the largest independent living development built by the Yeovil-based Yarlington Housing Group.

Dozens of residents and staff members gathered to greet the prince as he took a look around the new development, and one resident was lucky enough to have a one-to-one encounter with the royal.

81-year-old Les Elford invited Prince Charles into his home during the visit, where he was shown what it's like to live in one of the 63 self-contained apartments in the development, as well as the view of Poundbury's Great Field from his window.

Speaking to the Echo after the visit, Mr Elford said: "It was very nice to meet him. We talked about where I was born and about sheep, as I used to be into sheep farming.

"When I came to look at this place in January, they asked if I wanted three or four days to think it over. I said I didn't even need three minutes. It has improved my life and it has given me back all my independence.

"Everyone here is absolutely wonderful. The residents all get along, we all have a laugh and a joke and that is what life is all about."

Andrew Hamilton, development director for the Duchy of Cornwall, said it was good to welcome Charles back to see the finished project which was completed in January.

He said: "We love having Prince Charles here as he takes such an interest in the development."

During his tour Charles also met resident William Walker, a former glass blower who was commissioned to repair the stained glass windows of Windsor Castle following the fire in 1992.

The development in Peverell Avenue East consists of apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership, which are said to provide an alternative to a care home.

Poundbury, Dorchester's urban extension, marks its 25th year in 2018.