The Prince of Wales was warmly welcomed to North Wales today, where he played pool, joined a comedy workshop and took a stroll along the beach. William, 43, travelled to Colwyn Bay to meet young marine conservationists for raising awareness about the importance of Wales' beaches after meeting them on the sands.

But before he heard about the work of the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Youth Ocean Network, William took time to greet members of the public who had waited for hours in the bright winter sunshine. He posed for selfies, shook hands and Angela Jones of Conwy even received a big hug from the future king.

The pair laughed and smiled as William was happy to let the woman embrace him.

Taking a stroll along the beach with young volunteers and Fareth Cunnigham, the MCS's director of conservation and policy, the prince told a group of MCS's two-year Hiraeth Yn Y Mor (Longing for the Sea) project which concluded in March: "I know it's difficult to keep interest in marine things, well done for keeping going."

The initiative saw young people working with north Wales coastal communities in Prestatyn, Rhyl and Kinmel Bay to increase their understanding of the benefits of the sea, improve the sustainable management of the local marine heritage, and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean.

William then visited an organisation called Youth Shedz, a safe space for young people who might be experiencing challenges such as school exclusion, bullying and other social issues such as homelessness.

While he was there, he played some pool and watched a comedy show run by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, the co-founder of a comedy school in North Wales called Gwneud.