RURAL communities in North Yorkshire will give a big welcome to Prince Charles when he visits the county next month.

The Prince this week voiced his concerns on the future of the countryside in a letter to the Prime Minister

People living in rural areas say they are relieved to know their plight has been recognised.

More than 400,000 protesters marched in London on Sunday as part of the Countryside Alliance Liberty & Livelihood demonstration.

National Farmers' Union county vice-chairman, Derek Watson, who went on the march, said Prince Charles had gained widespread approval among rural communities for backing them in their battle for recognition.

"I think what Prince Charles has said is absolutely correct," said Mr Watson.

"I think it is good that someone in his position has spoken out in favour of a minority.

"If he is as concerned as that, to write and put himself in an awkward position, it shows how strongly he feels."

Andrew Osborne, joint master of Sinnington Hunt, said: "I think the real champions of the countryside are the farmers.

"But Prince Charles is in a position where he can get to the people that matter - quite frankly the Labour Government are not listening to anyone else."

Jeremy Timm, joint master of York and Ainsty South Hunt, said Prince Charles's views on the countryside and hunting were well known.

He said: "People in the countryside and countrymen respect him for taking a stance.

"But I think you will find that people in country areas are just pleased that someone somewhere is listening to us."

Prince Charles is to visit Ripon on Thursday, October 24, where he will be invested as a Freeman of the City of Ripon at its n Catehdral. He will later visit Selby Abbey, where he will see, first-hand, the £10 million restoration project going on at the 11th century Norman building.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, September 26, 2002