PRINCE Charles received a warm welcome today when he visited his local hospital to officially open a new X-ray machine.

The Prince of Wales was greeted at Tetbury Hospital, just two miles from his home, Highgrove House, with a sea of handshakes from staff and patients.

During the trip, he revealed: “I came to Tetbury Hospital 25 years ago having taken the end off my finger but they had to send me to Swindon because they didn’t have the right facilities.

“It’s all very different now.”

After seeing the X-ray machine and how it operates, he met some very excited patients.

Unveiling the commemorative plaque, the prince said: “Having known this hospital for 35 years and being a great admirer of community hospitals of this kind and the wonderful services they provide, I can’t tell you how marvellous it is coming back each time and seeing just how much more you can do.

“I just wanted to say that I so admire all the work done by the team here by that very special, personalised service you provide for people who then get the chance to know you.”

Stephen Hirst, chair of the board of trustees for Tetbury Hospital, personally thanked the Prince in front of a crowd of admirers.

“Your Royal Highness, thank you very much for your personal interest in our hospital.

“There are a number of plaques you can see when walking around out hospital, each of which you have unveiled!

“And we are very, very pleased that you are able to continue this tradition today.

Alwyn Brown, who was in hospital for a post cataract operation, said this had been the best day of her 89-years.

Other patients were equally as pleased with one man saying that he “never considered himself a Royalist” but had changed his mind after meeting the prince.

Greeting the prince were Mayor of Tetbury Sandra Ball, Gloucestershire High Sheriff Roger Head, Chairman of Cotswold District Council Clive Bennet and his wife and Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council Phil Awford.