Somerset County Council today warmly welcomed the news that Prince Charles is to visit the flood-hit county.

HRH The Prince of Wales announced today that he will come to Somerset next Tuesday, 4 Feb to see first-hand the impact of the recent flooding.

He will meet with farmers, emergency services, local authorities and volunteers who have all helped throughout the crisis in Stoke St Gregory before visiting the flood-hit communities of Muchelney and Thorney.

Somerset County Council Chairman, David Fothergill, said: “I’m delighted that The Prince of Wales will visit us and take the time to see the full extent of the crisis that has hit our county for the second year in a row. I’m sure residents will feel reassured by the visit and will make the Royal Party very welcome

“I’m sure that, like the Council, the Prince will want to thank the many volunteers who have pitched in to help out all those suffering as a result of these floods.”

The Prince was invited to visit the county after an invitation from Somerset County Council and South Somerset District Councils. It came after extensive flooding to the county last year and has been planned since May. His visit coincides with further even more extensive flooding this winter.

The Prince has long been a champion and supporter of farmers and farming issues. He is expected to visit some of the worse-hit areas, and express support to local famers and residents at this difficult time.