Prince Charles visited the Queens Park sports scheme

He visited Westbourne Road Mosque and All Saints' Church in Bedford, and an all-faiths sports scheme for youngsters in Queen's Park.

"You have set a wonderful example to this part of the world," he said.

Many of the initiatives were set up between the Sikh, Christian and Muslim communities after the London bombings.

Asif Nadim, of Westbourne Road Mosque, said the communities had managed to pull together and bring forward something positive.

He could do with a bit of coaching on his drive but he was absolutely fantastic Karamat Hussain, of Queen's Park Youth Cricket

The Rev Jay MacLeod, of All Saints' Church, who is also the inter-faith adviser to the Bishop of St Albans, said Prince Charles seemed instinctively to understand the work being done by the faith communities.

"He really understands in a way that sometimes government does not about how the faith communities can be a force for good and bring communities together," he said.

Speaking to church leaders Prince Charles praised the ability of faith to unify people.

Karamat Hussain, who organises 14 coaches who teach cricket to more than 140 children from all religious backgrounds, said the prince's visit had been "absolutely fantastic".

"We are trying to build cohesion through sport - to use cricket as a tool to help the community to integrate a bit more and we want them to make friends," he said.

�6m restoration

After the Royal visitor put his batting skills to the test Mr Hussain said: "He could do with a bit of coaching on his drive but he was absolutely fantastic. As a person he is absolutely superb."

Earlier in the day the prince toured the recently-opened community centre in Dallow Road, Luton, used by the local ethnic community to provide training and leisure opportunities for residents.

He went on to view a �6m restoration on the Grade I listed 18th Century Moggerhanger Park.

The Lottery-funded renovation has restored it in keeping with the 1790-1812 plans of Sir John Soane, the architect of the Bank of England and the interiors of 10 and 11 Downing Street.