Prince Charles paid a whistle-stop visit to Handforth Station today when the Royal Train, hauled by the newly built, coal-fired steam locomotive Tornado, pulled into Handforth at 5.20pm.

The Prince was introduced to Mike Bishop, Chairman of Friends of Handforth Station before joining the driver on the footplate for the next leg of the journey to Sandbach.

A handful of onlookers had got wind of the surprise visit and were there to wave flags whilst regular commuters were amazed to see the steam locomotive and its famous passenger.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were returning from Manchester where they had carried out a series of engagements including a tour of the Museum of Science and Industry and the launch of “Start”.

The Prince of Wales delivered a speech at the launch of this new initiative, designed to advice the public on how to lead more environmentally sustainable lives, whilst Camilla visited the set of Coronation Street to help celebrate the soap's 50th anniversary.