PRINCE Charles was the talk of the town when he popped into Devizes on Friday where he greeted hundreds of adoring locals outside the Wadworth Brewery.

Feverishly excited residents and children from Southbroom Infants, Trinity Primary and a handful of school council pupils at Southbroom St James Academy proudly waved Union Jack flags to greet the royal on Friday afternoon.

Although the Prince of Wales was pressed for time, he spent a lot of the visit talking to those who had turned up to see him, much to the delight of the crowd.

Michael Freeman, 80, said: "It was a real honour to shake his hand and talk to him. I told him I worked at the brewery for nearly 20 years. He was a lovely chap and it is great that he came to Devizes."

Local plumbers Henry and George Davies-Ball were thrilled to have a brief chat with the 68-year-old.

"It was so cool and unexpected to talk to Prince Charles. We talked about plumbing and he asked if we were any good," said George. "So I said, 'We are the best in the world,'" added Henry.

Angie Gazzard, a teaching assistant at Southbroom Infants, said: "It was an unexpected pleasure and quite an honour to shake his hand and talk to him. We had 300 children here to cheer him on which was lovely."

His Royal Highness said to a Gazette and Herald reporter: "I hope you were not waiting in the cold too long."

Before Prince Charles arrived, schoolchildren and locals spoke of their excitement.

Year 6 Southbroom St James Academy pupil Georgina, 11, said: "It is a real honour to represent the school and the town. To have the future King here is amazing – it puts our little town on the map."

"It is a privilege to be here and represent the school. This is a memorable moment," said fellow pupil Reuben, 11.

Millicent Cleveley, 4, said: "I love the royal family. I am so excited to see Prince Charles." Her mother Harriet, 29, added: "I think it is great he is supporting the Pub is The Hub initiative and that he is coming to Devizes. We got here nice and early to beat the crowds and get a good spot."

Head horseman Martin Whittle said: "I will not be able to give him a tour but it would be so cool if I could!"