Prince Charles hails 'resilience' of steel town Redcar

Prince Charles has paid tribute to the "extraordinary reserves of resilience" of the people of Redcar after the loss of the town's steelworks.

The prince was there to hear about the closure of the town's SSI steelworks, which resulted in the loss of almost 2,000 jobs last year.

He met members of a multi-agency task force set up to help those affected into new jobs or training.

Pupils from local schools were among those who braved heavy rain to welcome the prince to Redcar

Large crowds braved heavy downpours to welcome the prince.

He spent time speaking to a group of former steelworkers who lost their jobs after the SSI plant closed.

Peter Rodgers, who was a deputy supervisor at the coke ovens, said the prince's visit would hopefully raise awareness of the thousands of jobs that had been lost in the area.

Prince Charles also met members of the Industrial Cadets initiative, a work experience programme inspired by a visit he made to Redcar in 2010.

The prince met members of a scheme that gives people work experience

Unveiling a plaque at the Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart, he said: "I wasn't really expecting to say anything, but for me it's the greatest possible pleasure to come back to this part of the world where I know you have been through so many difficult times.

"I remember coming here six years ago during another difficult time but, if I may say so, despite the horrors you have faced, somehow, in this remarkable part of the world, you have these extraordinary reserves of resilience and, above all, the most wonderful sense of humour.

"How you keep it I don't know; it's very infectious and very special."

Prince Charles unveiled a plaque at a centre for apprentices

Amanda Skelton, chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council, sat with the prince at a meeting of the task force and said his visit was a real morale boost.

"It's really important for us that we continue to publicise this crisis that we have been going through because we don't want people to forget about us," she said.