PRINCE Charles began a two-day tour of Cumbria today with a visit to BAE Systems in Barrow.

The Prince of Wales arrived by helicopter in the grounds of Sedbergh School before making his way to Barrow-in-Furness.

His Royal Highness, who is also Admiral of the Fleet – the highest rank of the British Royal Navy, met with members of the company's highly-skilled workforce as he was shown its unique submarine design and build capabilities. 

His Royal Highness was given a tour of the Barrow site, including the New Assembly Shop and Devonshire Dock Hall, where the Astute class and Dreadnought class submarines are being built for the UK Royal Navy.

His Royal Highness also witnessed the ongoing redevelopment of the shipyard's facilities and infrastructure, which will support the build of the new Dreadnought submarines. Throughout his tour, he stopped to talk to a number of employees, including some of the company's 1,000 apprentices.

BAE Systems Submarines Managing Director, Tony Johns, said: "It was a great honour to welcome His Royal Highness to our site today. The Prince of Wales met a number of our employees and showed a great deal of interest in their work and the unique skills we have here in Barrow. Having such a prestigious guest demonstrates to our workforce how vital a role they play in building the Royal Navy's submarines and ultimately protecting our nation."

The Prince will preview the regeneration of Rosehill Theatre ahead of its public re-opening at Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven, today before attending a reception to celebrate the anniversary of the Ennerdale Community Hub, which has saved the local pub from closure, as well as creating a new gym, cafe and village shop.

Tomorrow he will visit Appleby to see how the town has recovered from the floods of 2015 and also pick up some cheese when he takes a look around Appleby Creamery.