The team who brought a redundant building back to life to support youngsters were praised by the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles met residents and those involved with the ambitious renovation of the Whitehaven Foyer, before unveiling a plaque to mark its official opening.

The Prince said nothing would give him greater pleasure than to declare Whitehaven foyer – which he called a clever idea – open.

He said: "I'm so impressed by what the whole team has managed to achieve as I understand how difficult these projects may be.

"It's wonderful that you have managed to rescue a redundant and sad building and bring it back to life."

The centre is home to 12 residents, aged between 16 and 25, and as well as giving them a home, it also boosts their personal develop and employment opportunities.

Seventeen-year-old Ash has lived there for a year, and is currently studying catering at Lakes College. He served Prince Charles a cup of tea when he arrived.

He said: "I was very nervous and excited but he was very interested in what I had to say. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Mike Muir, chairman of Whitehaven Foyer, said: "I think it's been really good to have the Prince visit. He is really interested in young people and to have a visit from him has really esteemed them which is excellent."

Three photography students from Lakes College, who are completing a project on Whitehaven Foyer, met the Prince.

Samantha Bell, 18, said: "It was really good to meet him, although I was very nervous."

Georgia Wilkin, 19, added: "He was very talkative and asked about our course and what we were doing."

The derelict building, formerly the YMCA, was bought by Howgill Centre and YMCA in 2009 and opened last year as West Cumbria's first young people's foyer.