Prince Charles pledged his support to Truro Cathedral's roof appeal when he paid a visit to Cornwall earlier today.

The Duke of Cornwall visited both the cathedral and the newly renovated Old Cathedral School where he met representatives from various cathedral community groups, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit and chose to ‘sign-a-slate’ in support of the cathedral’s roof appeal.

The restoration and renovation work on the Old Cathedral School has only just completed and the cathedral team was delighted to be able to show His Royal Highness around the building which has been transformed into an iconic, creative hub that will focus on education, music and art for Truro and the wider county of Cornwall.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Rev Roger Bush, said: “This is a very exciting time for Truro Cathedral and we were thrilled to welcome The Duke of Cornwall today. People form the heart of Truro Cathedral, and so too will they form the heart of the Old Cathedral School, so we were delighted that His Royal Highness was able to meet and speak with representatives from so many areas of their work and life.”

While exploring the Old Cathedral School, Prince Charles was welcomed with music sung by the cathedral choir and met representatives from a host of community organisations including the South West Ministry Training Course, Coad’s Green Primary School, Marjon University, together with cathedral volunteer groups including the Sewing Guild, Pastoral Care Team and representatives of The Friends of Truro Cathedral.

Head chorister, Piran Bishop, age 12, said: “It was an honour for us to sing to welcome His Royal Highness as he entered the Old Cathedral School. It was our first time singing in the new building and we didn’t have time to rehearse much on the balcony but luckily it went really well.

"He came to see us after and said he’d liked what we’d sung, he was really nice and I think it’s an experience none of us will forget.”

During his visit, the Duke also took time to learn more about the cathedral’s roof appeal and demonstrated his support by participating in sign-a-slate. His slate will be laid on the roof together with those previously signed by his sister, the Princess Royal, and by his son and daughter-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during phase III of the physical works.

The Dean added: “It was a genuine privilege to welcome the Duke of Cornwall. It was an honour to provide him with some insight into both the history and the future of both the cathedral and the Old Cathedral School, and with the commemorative plaque he unveiled being installed in the Old Cathedral School and his signed slate being installed on the roof of the cathedral, his visit will literally become part of the fabric and story of both.”