The Prince of Wales presented prizes at a young people's produce show to Naomi Langford, 11, for best produce, Luke Cleaver, 16, for best compost and ten-year-old Ashleigh Grant who won best miniature organic gardening.

His Royal Highness, who is patron of the charity, was taken on a tour of the gardens before meeting children from across the UK and opening the site's new Lillian Goldman Rose Garden.

Speaking at the event, he said: "I was hugely impressed by the produce show, where I was so pleased to see some especially fine compost, amongst other things.

"We have to do all we can to reconnect people to the land so that they understand how their food is grown and puts them back in touch with nature."

Garden Organic was founded by Lawrence D Hills in 1958 and helps schools across the UK teach pupils about food and organic produce.

Chief executive Myles Bremner, said: "We are delighted that the Prince of Wales was able to join in our 50th birthday celebrations, and as an organisation, we are thrilled to have such an inspirational figurehead and patron."