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It was on February 27, 1981 - just a few days after his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer - that Prince Charles made an eventful visit to the city of Derby.

Prince Charles meets youngsters in traditional costume at the Polish club, Charnwood Street

Prince Charles joins in the dancing at the Madeley Centre

And he promised the residents who handed over congratulation cards and engagement presents that she would be with him on his next visit to the city.

The visit was scheduled for five hours - but lasted well over six, with the Prince even skipping his lunch break so he could cram in as much as possible.

Arriving by train, the Prince was met by the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Colonel Peter Hilton, and his first stop was the Guru Arjan Dev Sikh temple in Shaftesbury Street.

At Madeley Street community centre he joined in some spirited dancing, which made the TV news bulletins, before heading on to the Polish Club on Charnwood Street for some dancing of a different kind. Afterwards, looking flushed but not out of breath, he commented: "It takes we young ones to show them how to do it."

At the Dom Polski down the road he waved away a glass of orange juice or sherry in favour of a Polish vodka which he downed in one before following the traditional custom of slinging the glass over his shoulder to smash on the floor. He also paid tribute to the Polish airmen telling Dom Polski members: "You fought so bravely and made so many sacrifices in the war that we'll never forget what you did."

At the drop-in coffee bar in Pear Tree, the Prince showed his skill at table football and pool.

He also visited Hardwick Girls' School and the Sikh temple on St James's Road.

At the Serbian Orthodox Church, Lower Dale Road, the Prince was presented with a Chuturica, and engraved handmade flask designed to carry the Serbian national drink Sljivovica - a type of plum brandy.

As it was hung around his neck on a wide ribbon, the Prince joked: "Now I know what it feels like to be a Saint Bernard dog".

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County:  Derbyshire

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