HIS Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has accepted an invitation to become Patron of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.

The Royal 'yes' is regarded as a coup for the Cathedral authorities, hoping his influence will lead to the success of ambitious projects in the pipeline.

The Prince has been a friend of the Cathedral for many years, making private and official visits to the Cathedral and has donated substantial amounts to help finance the preservation programme.

The Prince's Duchy of Cornwall, from which he derives an income, also owns more than 12,000 acres of farm and wood land in this county.

Prince Charles, with his intense interest in both archaeological and religious matters, is regarded as an ideal Patron for the Perpetual Trust which is dedicated to improving and preserving the cathedral building for future generations and ensuring its prestigious choir can be retained.

It is understood HRH has made it clear he does not want to remain just a name on a letterhead.

The Prince hopes to become involved with decisions which will secure the future of the cathedral through this century.

The Perpetual Trust is already in talks with his private office on how best he can provide this support.

The maintenance and improvement work at the cathedral is ongoing and plans are being condered for the future development of existing buildings in the cathedral close, as well as the cathedral green out to Broad Street.

All these schemes could cost millions and Royal support will give a boost towards any of them being accomplished.

The Dean of Hereford, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor, welcomed the news: "We hope before too long we will be able to welcome His Royal Highness as our Patron to Hereford to see the work at first-hand and to meet many of our supporters, both donors and volunteers, who help us to achieve so much.

"His Royal Highness has already helped us to complete the restoration of the Lady Chapel and I am sure that, with his increased involvement, we will be able to achieve so much more for the cathedral and the county," he added.

Prince Charles has been to Hereford Cathedral on several occasions over the past 20 years, the most recent was in 1998 when he gave his support to a musical picnic.