Charles gets birthday wishes

Charles tried his hand at manual labour

Prince Charles was able to forget the current media frenzy around the Royal Family as he got a special birthday serenade during a trip to Manchester on Thursday.

The prince, who was 54 on Thursday, was treated to an unusual rendition of Happy Birthday by a group of Barber Shop singers at the Chetham's School of Music.

He laughed as the six students wearing straw boaters performed the tune, especially composed to include his full title - His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

Earlier he heard a more informal rendition - led by former Madness member Carl Smith - addressed to "Charlie".

Prince Charles tries alternative transport

The relaxed version was performed after a tour of SkillCity at Salford Quays, which has been dubbed Britain's biggest school trip.

During the visit, the prince had mingled with thousands of young people.

He tried his hand at bricklaying and spreading cement under the close eye of a brickwork apprentice.

Andrew Atkin, a second year apprentice at Accrington and Rossendale College, praised the prince's building skills.

"He did very well. For a first time, he was really good," he said.