King Charles visits Barrow to mark royal status

The King took part in a walkabout during his visit to Barrow

King Charles III arrived in Barrow-in-Furness to recognise the Cumbrian town's "critical contribution" to industry and national defence.

The port town is home to the BAE Systems' shipyard where the UK's nuclear-powered submarines are being built.

When the prime minister visited in March, he confirmed King Charles had agreed to grant the title of The Royal Port of Barrow on the area around the shipyard and docks.

Crowds, including many schoolchildren, cheered as the King arrived in the town to bestow the honour.

The Mayor of Barrow Fred Chatfield said: "I never ever thought I'd be mayor, let alone in my year to meet the King and on such an auspicious occasion."

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott said: "This is a historic day for the Port of Barrow and for the people of Barrow, as we celebrate the port's royal status.

"It really is a very prestigious honour."

Onlookers snapped photographs and took videos on their camera phones

People gathered throughout the day to catch a glimpse of the Royal party.

Among them were Bina Lowcock and her son Kiaan who said he shook the King's hand.

"He was very nice, I liked it," he said.

Families lined the town centre in the hope of meeting the King

The King visited Barrow Town Hall where celebrations included a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

At the BAE Systems shipyard, he read the Commissioning Warrant at a formal ceremony to mark nuclear submarine HMS Agamemnon entering operational service.

The King also met four-legged friends on his visit

Monday's ceremony also recognised those who built, staff and support the vessel, while the King spoke with construction staff and the submarine's serving personnel and their families.

The sub is due to begin sea trials before going into active service.

Named after the commander of the mythical Ancient Greek forces in the Trojan war, it weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 metres (318ft) in length - the same as four buses.

Agamemnon can strike land targets up to 1,000 miles away, serve as a launchpad for raids by teams of Royal Marines Commandos and gather intelligence.

Dignitaries attending included Defence Secretary John Healey, who said: "This is truly a remarkable manufacturing feat to take a piece of steel and to forge it into one of the most technologically advanced machines anywhere in the world."