People in West Hanningfield enjoyed a pre-Christmas treat today (December 16), when the heir to the throne dropped by.
Prince Charles visited Pandan Close, meeting residents and planting a tree, as part of his role as president of The Prince's Foundation for Building Community and Business In The Community.
He was dropped off by helicopter this afternoon about five minutes' drive from the scheme, before being chauffeured in to meet residents.
Chelmsford mayor, Cllr Bob Villa, said: "It was a great privilege to meet His Royal Highness. It's great for the people of West Hanningfield.
"Hopefully the sustainable homes here will encourage families to reside here and rejuvenate the village."
The scheme was launched in 2003 as part of his rural action programme under the Business in the Community banner, in collaboration with The Prince's Foundation for Building Community.
Hastoe Housing Association then worked with Essex and Suffolk Water to build the flats.
Following his visit to the street, Prince Charles walked round to the local village hall, where more residents, as well as children from the local primary school, were waiting to greet him.
Terry and Pat Margetts, who welcomed him into their house on Pandan Close, said he put them at ease immediately.
"You forget who he is when he's speaking to you," said Mr Margetts, 74.
"He is absolutely wonderful," added Mrs Margetts, 70. "He'd make an absolutely brilliant king."
