PRINCE Charles's spring visit to Cumbria may have cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds but his trips to the county are always good value, says an MP.

The Prince is welcome to return anytime whether by Royal Train, or even Shanks's pony - according to David Maclean, the MP for Penrith and the Border.

Mr Maclean was speaking after the Prince's travel costs for his trip to Cumbria in March were disclosed.

When the Prince used the Royal Train from Gloucestershire to Cumbria in order to visit places including Kirkby Stephen and Appleby along the Settle-Carlisle Line, it cost the taxpayer £23,463.

When he used the Queen's Helicopter to travel from Cockermouth to Kendal and then to Scotland two days later, the cost was £4,998.

The visit to Cumbria, during which he stayed at Yew Tree Farm bed and breakfast, at Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale Valley, attracted plenty of press coverage, particularly as it was the Prince's last major trip away before his marriage.

The travel cost figures were released as part of the annual publication of the royal public finances issued by Buckingham Palace.

Mr Maclean said the sum spent on the Royal Train for the trip was "peanuts" compared to the money which was "wasted" by the Government on other projects.

"The investment in our Royal Family is a vital part of our democracy," he said.

Mr Maclean said that when the Prince made one of his regular visits to the county, it not only provided a psychological boost, such as following the recent floods, but was also good for business.

"That's why he does this sort of thing," he said.

"When he does pick a good bed and breakfast, he's making a point to boost tourism."

Mr Maclean said the Prince was one of those "remarkable" people who really understood about rural issues.

"I would welcome him back by Royal Train, royal car, royal helicopter, or royal Shanks's pony."

l What do you think? Are Prince Charles's visits to Cumbria good value for money? Write to Letters to the Editor, Westmorland Messenger, 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal, Westmorland LA9 4DP or email your views to letters@kendal.newsquest.co.uk Emails received will be considered for use on the Westmorland Messenger's Letters pages, so please include your name and address.