PRINCE Charles blended in like 'a member of the family' when he met and impressed representatives from almost all types of industry affected by foot and mouth.

Within a suitably grand venue — a luxurious bed and breakfast set in stunning countryside — Prince Charles won the support and admiration of everyone at the meeting with his extensive knowledge of farming issues and the crisis.

It was a chance for real people to have their say, rather than the normal gathering of top officials. Around 25 farmers, owners of tourism businesses, hauliers, agricultural firms and a vicar from a ten mile radius of the meeting place — Nichols Nymet House near North Tawton — were each introduced to the prince before they sat down for an hour of frank exchanges of opinions.

His Royal Highness was sympathetic throughout, and although admitting he could not directly become involved in political issues, he hoped to make some difference by using his high-profile position.

Deputy chairman of the Devon branch of the National Farmers' Union, John Daw, said: 'His understanding and knowledge of the subject was very welcome and somewhat surprising. He was like a member of the family. He comes across as a country man. I would quite happily farm underneath him if he were the Minister for Agriculture.'

The prince was flown into North Tawton by helicopter, and experienced the beauty of the countryside firstly by air and then later, when cows wandering into the drive — hindering the passage to the bed and breakfast meeting place — had to be shooed away by special branch officers.

He even ordered the driver to stop at the B&B entrance where a small gathering had assembled from a nearby caravan including Olivia Stupiak who was celebrating her sixth birthday. When asked by Prince Charles about her presents, an excited Olivia explained how she had received two guinea pigs, Cuddles and Snuggles.

Dad Michael said: 'It was superb. The driver did not want to stop but Prince Charles told him to. It made our day. He made time for us, and it was brilliant.'

But then it was down to serious business. Greeted by hosts Muriel and Paul Goodman, Prince Charles was escorted into the building after commenting on the fabulous view of surrounding fields and a winding river. He shook hands and spoke to every one of the invited guests who explained how they had been affected by the dreadful disease.

Interactive conversation followed, and Prince Charles impressed the gathering with his immense knowledge of farming, and told the North Devon delegation what he had seen and learned from the people in Cumbria, Yorkshire and other badly affected areas which rely so heavily on tourism.

Rev Alex Welby from Hatherleigh, who initiated a telephone support service for farmers, said: 'It was a very warm meeting. He listened very carefully. We were all very grateful that he had come. His presence was a real encouragement. He could not do very much to help, but we responded by saying it was wonderful that he had come and that alone made a big difference.'

Award-winning organic farmer Tim Budden from Burrington, who scooped the Prince of Wales award for his practices at the Devon County Show, said his main anguish was the fact that none of the Government's aid packages benefited farmers or agricultural-related industries.

He said: "It's extraordinary and quite unbelievable. I am constantly amazed by the mishandling of the whole thing. The biggest point made was the lack of leadership and direction. I was extremely encouraged by his understanding.

'The prince was very sympathetic. There was very little that he did not have a good grasp of. He expressed a desire to bring more economic and environmental impact through the Common Agricultural Policy. But I realise it isn't easy for the prince to change things, particularly in Brussels.'

Mr Daw, whose two farms were hit by foot and mouth — one because of a cull and the other because of the restrictive Form D notice placed to stop all animal movements — said Britain should now be carrying out stricter checks on imports, particularly considering the country's involvement in the attacks on Afghanistan.

He said: 'We have not improved our control of imported food stuffs or anything, particularly after the September 11 events.

'We seem to be an open door. I shared that view with the prince, and he couldn't understand either why we have not made more of an effort.

'He said he would try his best to get the message across. This visit has increased understanding and awareness of rural problems. You have got to take your hat off to the prince for his success with his own charity, and I hope he can badger enough people to succeed in this.'