Prince praises homeless charity

Prince William is a patron of the charity

Prince William has praised the work of homeless charity Centrepoint as he helped celebrate its 40th anniversary.

William, 27, who is patron for the charity, spent time with some of the young people who have been supported by the organisation.

The prince also cut up a commemorative birthday cake at its Greek Street centre in central London.

He said: "It's fantastic to see where it's come to and where it's going to go to".

"This is just a stepping stone in its future and I hope to be able to support it for the foreseeable future," he said.

Specialist projects

Centrepoint, which was set-up in a church basement in London, has helped more than 73,000 homeless young people by providing beds and support to improve their lives.

It also offers specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders and young single parents.

William has made a number of private visits to the charity which was a favourite of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Speaking about his visits to the organisation the prince said:

"It's much more intimate than doing a big place all suited up and stuff (where) you don't really get to actually talk to the guys and girls and actually hear their stories and find out a bit more about them."