Prince visits hill farming area

Charles was launching a new label to promote local produce

Prince Charles has visited hill farmers and a centre promoting green technology in North Derbyshire.

He was taken on a tour of a £1m environmental centre in Edale which uses turf insulation and then talked to those behind an farmer's co-operative.

During the visit the Prince of Wales expressed his sympathies for people affected by recent floods.

Water levels have fallen but one Flood Watch is still in place on the Trent. More rain is forecast over the weekend.

Hard work

Prince Charles was greeted by pupils from Edale village school who helped show him around the environmental centre, which was opened last September.

Prince Charles then visited a farm near Stanshope to show his support for producers who are launching their own brand - Peak Choice.

Across the county a handful of roads are still affected by standing water but many have problems with damaged surfaces.

Officials paid tribute to the work of the emergency services and council staff during the crisis but said there was a limit to what they could do.

'Be prepared'

"We received hundreds of calls for help when the flooding was at its height on Monday," said Councillor Clive Moesby.

"Although people are responsible for protecting their own property against the risk of flooding, we always respond to flooding emergencies as soon as we can.

"The trouble is, when problems are widespread this can't always be in time to prevent damage.

"That's why we're urging residents and businesses to be prepared and think about measures they can take to reduce potential damage to their property and to keep themselves safe."