Prince Charles spent the first day of his summer tour of Wales sampling the best local food and drink.

He began his visit by tasting Welsh spring water, before trying some award-winning meat products.

Camilla Parker Bowles: Accompanying the prince to Wales

Crowds of cheering children welcomed his arrival at the French-owned Danone water plant in Pen-y-Cae in the Brecon Beacons, which was celebrating its first anniversary.

Based at a former family farm, the plant employs 22 people and produces 40m litres of mineral water for the British market every year.

Prince Charles has been accompanied by his partner Camilla Parker Bowles during his annual stay in Wales, but she is not taking part in any official engagements.

Among the workers he spoke to during Friday's visit was Dai Williams, 53, who was born on the farm where the factory now stands.

"He met my mother, Elizabeth, outside, who was invited here with my three sisters because of the links with the site," Mr Williams said.

"I told the Prince that I was born and brought up here and used to play with my brother and sisters all over this area.

The prince enjoys a glass of Welsh water

The Prince flew on to a mid-Wales lunch appointment with a group of Prince's Trust in Rhayader.

Later in the day he helped celebrate the centenary of the Welshpool Light Railway by taking a trip on a steam train from Llanfair Caereinion.

The visit ended with more food samples.

The Prince was shown around a shop run by John Langford, who has won scores of awards for his goods, including Welsh Butcher of the Year in 2000.

Mr Langford said Charles enjoyed sampling Welsh black beef and a pork pie.

"He seemed to really know his stuff," Mr Langford said.

"He knew straight away about the crispy fat and the fact that this only comes from beef fed on hay and dried barley. He seemed to really enjoy it."