PRINCE Charles highlighted a pioneering Yorkshire Dales project aimed at creating rural employment for young people when he hosted a seminar on rural problems at his home, Highgrove, over the weekend.

The Prince has long been a lover of the Dales and is a frequent visitor. At the seminar - attended by some of the country's leading experts on rural affairs - he chose DALE - Dale Action for Local Enterprise - as one of three projects nationwide which had made a major impact.

DALE was based on the well-known Prince's Trust and has resulted in 61 new businesses and 80 new jobs for people in the 18-30 age range. One youngster who benefited, Stephen Robshaw, who set up Dales Anglers in Bentham with a grant, commented:

"This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I don't know where I would be now if it wasn't for you."