THE PRINCE of Wales (pictured) may be 50- something, but he still has women falling at his feet.

During a function to mark the 75th anniversary of the Gwent Association of Voluntary Workers at Blackwood Miners' Institute - which was also celebrating its 75th birthday - Prince Charles proved he still has quite an effect on the ladies.

When it was time for him to be presented with a tie and lapel badge from GAVO, their senior administration officer, Chrys Chamberlain, fell onto her right knee while accompanying five-year-old Ben Anson Jones across the stage.

There were gasps from the audience - but showing she's a good sport, a blushing Chrys Chamberlain rose to her feet and did a little curtsy before carrying on with the presentation.

Sporting a large hole in her tights and a scuffed knee, Mrs Chamberlain said afterwards: "It happened because I knew I had to step aside for little Ben and I lost my footing. It was unfortunate but Prince Charles was very concerned that I was OK and asked if everything was all right.

"I replied to him 'I bet there's not many women who fall for you' and he just laughed."

Apart from that minor hiccup, the event ran very smoothly.

Prior to his presentation, Prince Charles gave a passionate speech before a captivated audience in in the main hall which he praised the "wonderful and vital" work GAVO provide for local communities.

He even cracked a joke in response to an invitation from Michael Harbinson, chairman of GAVO, to be present at their centenary. Prince Charles quipped: "That is very much in the lap of the gods."

The Prince turned up a little late, however, but that didn't seem to bother the crowds of people who had gathered on Blackwood High Street to greet his arrival.

Just minutes after his helicopter landed at Blackwood Showfield, a cavalcade of executive cars pulled up in front of the 'Stute and out stepped the Prince.

To the tune of Castell Caerfili performed by the Markham and District Silver band, Prince Charles took the time to shake hands with those who had waited patiently outside in the cold for his appearance.

Casie Wood, of Manorbier Close, Blackwood, said: "He said to me that he hoped I hadn't been staying out in the rain too long and then he asked me about the new Asda store. I said to him I'm going there to do my shopping now and he said 'Good'."

Inside the 'Stute, the Prince was entertained by youngsters in the Caerphilly county borough primary schools' choir, who performed Song of Peace.