CHURCH and civic leaders in South Lakeland were among the first to offer their congratulations to the Prince of Wales following the announcement yesterday (Thursday) that he is to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

James Cropper, who as Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria is the Queen's representative in the county, said he looked forward to welcoming the couple for a visit following their marriage.

"I'm delighted to hear of the announcement," he said.

"They certainly have my very best wishes for their marriage both my personal best wishes and also on behalf of the county of Cumbria, that I represent on behalf of the Queen.

"They have obviously been together for a long time and I think it's good that they will be man and wife."

Mr Cropper said that he had met the Prince of Wales during the latter's frequent visits to the county. He said the Prince had been "very good" at the time of foot-and-mouth and the recent floods.

In fact, the Prince had a "great affection" for Cumbria, and although he had yet to meet Mrs Parker Bowles, he thought the couple were both "country people at heart".

"The Prince of Wales has been very supportive of events going on in the rural area of Cumbria and it would be good to see them both here."

The Lord Lieutenant accepted there would be some people with reservations but he said that it had been long enough since the Princess of Wales died to alter some people's views.

"I think most people will either welcome it or accept it."

He said the announcement that Mrs Parker Bowles would be known as HRH the Duchess of Cornwall and, if Prince Charles became King, her title would then be Princess Consort, would deal with some people's concerns.

The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Collins, added his congratulations to the couple, who have been partners for many years, and who are to marry at Windsor Castle on April 8.

"I'm delighted at the news and I'm sure that everyone in South Lakeland will wish them every happiness for the future."

The Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev James Newcome, who lives in Kendal, said there would be some people who would not be as pleased with the announcement.

"Some Christians will have reservations about Prince Charles and Camilla marrying particularly if he becomes head of the Church of England.

"Nevertheless, the gospel is about new beginnings and some Christian traditions have allowed remarriage after divorce. I feel it is better that they marry properly, and ask for God's help in their marriage, rather than simply live together.

"I shall remember them in my prayers."

With Valentine's Day approaching, there were even suggestions that the announcement could prompt an outbreak of marriage proposals.

However, Denise Cummins, of Impulse Flowers, in Kendal, was not convinced of such a knock-on effect. "I won't get in extra stock on the off-chance," she said.