Charles will be patron of Jorvik campaign

PRINCE CHARLES is to become patron of the York Archaeological Trust’s Campaign Canute, the fundraising initiative to help “reimagine and further develop” the Jorvik centre in the city.

The news comes as the campaign revealed it had raised over £1m, over two thirds of the way towards the £1.5m target ahead of its public re-opening on April 8.

Terry Suthers, chair of the trust, said: “The Prince of Wales has been a long-term supporter of the Jorvik Viking Centre, ever since he first climbed into the archaeological dig that took place in Coppergate between 1976 and 1981, and we welcomed him back to officially open the first incarnation of Jorvik Viking Centre in 1984.”

The announcement came as it was announced Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit Hull next month as it continues its City of Culture celebrations.

The royal couple will see the city looking at its best following its £25m upgrade, on the tour on February 8, which will include the newly-reopened Ferens Art Gallery and Holy Trinity Church, standing in the transformed Trinity Square.

The Prince of Wales last visited the city in 1995, although the Duchess has visited more recently in 2006, and the couple both visited East Yorkshire in 2013.

Hull Council leader Coun Steve Brady said: “We are delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to the city at the start of our year as UK City of Culture.”

The royal couple will also visit literacy charity First Story at The Deep and The Royal Shakespeare Company outreach programme at the Goodwin Development Trust.