TEN years ago, the crowds turned out to welcome the Prince of Wales on a royal visit to North Craven. The heir to the throne visited Clapham, where he visited the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and then took a train on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway. Deputy editor Lindsey Moore looks back on the visit.

JUST a year after visiting Skipton and Kettlewell, Prince Charles was back in Craven.

This time, his itinerary incorporated a walk around to the village of Clapham and a ride on the scenic Settle-Carlisle Railway.

It was believed to be the first time a member of the Royal family had visited Clapham.

The Prince arrived at Clapham Station aboard the royal train and a crowd of excited villagers watched as the royal party drove through the village and stepped out at Clapham Waterfall.

There he was introduced to the chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Lord Shuttleworth, and director David Sharrod.

Vice chairman of Clapham Parish Council Eileen Plumridge and local couple Richard and Justina Sexton presented him with two sheepskin rugs as a wedding present on behalf of the village.

Prince Charles was visiting the area to meet members of the community who had made a determined effort to broaden its appeal to visitors since foot and mouth.

He also launched a £1 million Donate to the Dales Appeal on behalf of the Millennium Trust - of which he was a patron - to fund projects to support the well-being of the area.

The Prince walked around the village and was shown a number of projects that had been supported by the trust, including the Millennium Stone.

The monument, created by sculptor Fiona Bowley, has a map telling the history of the parish up to 2000.

Fourteen-year-old Fay Lockett, a pupil at Queen Elizabeth's School, Kirkby Lonsdale, helped design the project five years ago. She said the Prince asked her about the project and school. "I wasn't really nervous - it was just like talking to a normal person," she said.

Pupils from Clapham Primary School also gathered around the stone as the Prince mingled with the crowd and chatted to youngsters.

Headteacher Shena Minnitt said: "He was talking to the children about the fact they were on holiday and they had managed to turn out to see him and put their shirts on. It was very thoughtful of him to talk to all the children - I knew they would enjoy it."

Also introduced was the Rev Ian Greenhalgh, vicar of St James Church, Clapham, who said the Prince's visit was great for the village. "It was lovely to see so many people and the children, " he declared.

The Prince was also shown Arbutus House - a guest house run by David and Jackie Kingsley - and viewed an elm tree, planted in Clapham by Dr Villiam Pichler of the University of Zvolen in Slovakia.The elms are resistant to Dutch elm disease.

Before leaving, Prince Charles visited the Clapham headquarters of the Millennium Trust.

Mr Sharrod said: "We are extremely grateful to The Prince of Wales for taking the time to come to Clapham and for the enormous boost his visit has given to the appeal.

"Since the trust came into existence eight years ago, he has given us his unstinting personal support and encouragement every step of the way and he has assured us that he will continue to do so."

There was also a crowd of admirers to welcome him at Settle Station.

The royal train was pulled by a steam locomotive, the Duchess of Sutherland - only the second time in more than 40 years that it has been pulled by a steam engine.

Arriving at the station to the sound of Giggleswick and Settle Band, the Prince was met by a sea of flags waved by a delighted crowd of visitors.

As he walked through the station gates he was greeted by children from Austwick Primary School and district and county council dignitaries.

Pupils Libby Nowell and Freddy Wild presented him with a picture of Ingleborough.

Headteacher Lesley Crutchley said: "We were delighted to be invited to form a reception party. The visit will be remembered by the children for many years.

"It is made even more special by the fact that we will be one of the last groups to see the Prince before his wedding.

"He told us we should feel privileged to live in a place like this and hoped the school was successful and with such small numbers he hoped the school was not threatened with closure and I said no.

"I found him very personable. He was chatting with all the children which was lovely."

A handful of local residents were also lucky enough to chat to His Royal Highness.

One woman who met the Prince at Clapham then dashed to Settle to meet him again - and he recognised her. "He said he was very impressed," said Audrey Limmer from Settle.

Friends Emily Askew, six, Lottie Monks, six, and Katie Askew, seven, waited for an hour-and-a-half to catch a glimpse of the Prince and were delighted when he shook their hands and complemented them on their "nice coats".

Dignitaries included county council chairman John Dennis, chairman of Craven District Council John Alderson and chairman of Settle Town Council Geoff Craven.

The Prince then donned workmen's overalls to take a trip on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line.

A number of people were chosen to travel on the train - among them, former Dalesman editor and local historian Bill Mitchell and other members of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line.

Mr Mitchell said: "He seems to like the Yorkshire Dales - he has been several times. I think he must like the more laidback atmosphere in these parts."

Prince Charles was invited to visit the line by Settle woman Ruth Evans, who is the guided walks co-ordinator for the Friends of the SettleCarlisle Line.

Mrs Evans wrote to the Prince's office at Clarence House last year when the Friends group was celebrating its 30th anniversary.

At the time he could not attend, but Mrs Evans was astonished when she received a letter in January to say he was available to visit in March.

Speaking after the visit, Philip Johnston, chairman of the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Railway, told the Herald: "It was quite a splendid day and it was not marred by the cloudy conditions.

"His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales described the work of the friends of the Settle to Carlisle line as quite superb and worthy of great public support. He gave every indication of having thoroughly enjoying himself."