Shirley Tart: Visit has been so inspiring I think I may follow Prince's 'Do another 50' instruction

Having met him soon after he arrived on a rare visit to the county when he was told by editor Martin Wright that I had indeed been writing about royal and other matters for more than 50 years, His Royal Highness did a bit of a double take and said at the time: "Fifty? Really? Did I hear correctly?"

Yes, Sir, you did. And what a special moment for me when he did another about-turn as he left, clasped my hands and with a right royal smile said: "Do another 50!"

I did suggest that I wasn't actually programmed for that.

• Visit www.ladderforshropshire.co.uk

But the little departing gesture typified the visit. Prince Andrew is keen to promote the Ladder for Shropshire appeal being launched by the Shropshire Star and encourage apprentices and potential apprentices, as well as the businesses keen to take them on. And he did it all with a genuine interest, a listening ear and a real feeling of support which won him a lot of fans.

But he also has a great sense of humour and the knack of relaxing those he is talking to.

Indeed as the royal party arrived in the newspaper's press hall where dozens of staff members, business representatives, young apprentices and other guests were waiting to meet him, the Prince threw his hands in the air and quipped: "And I thought the maximum number you could have in a circle was 11."

However, this was the reason of course that he wanted to join us in Shropshire this week and he spoke to everyone, giving whatever time it took.

Chatting to some of the teenage apprentices later, it was clear that Prince Andrew had made a real impact by encouraging and then spelling out the advantages of the inspiring scheme – to the young people and their potential employers.

Like young Alisha Atkins who has been at Travelstar European for three months and spoke shyly, but quite charmingly as she told Shropshire's candidates first-hand what they might expect.

She said: "I started at college but eventually decided that the apprenticeship scheme was more suited to my career path."

And so it is proving – as illustrated by warm words from her own new boss, Travelstar operations manager Neil Jones.

Editor Martin spoke about the opportunities for those not pursuing an academic path, and said: "It's giving more young people a chance."

While Prince Andrew took centre stage to thank the Shropshire Star for starting Ladder for Shropshire, which he said was "truly inspirational" and urged young people to make the most of the opportunities.

Wishing the scheme continued success for both young people and business, Prince Andrew added: "Ladder for Shropshire is intended for Shropshire and is designed for Shropshire, not for Liverpool or for London. You can design it to suit the needs for the area."

The new scheme for the Shropshire Star won the instant support of the Prince who had also helped launch the initiative at our sister newspaper the Wolverhampton Express & Star last year.

And as well as focusing on the apprenticeship scheme, His Royal Highness also showed a great interest in the newspaper industry, its new technology and the numbers of readers online as well as in paper.

When hosting Prince Andrew, the message is to make sure you are up-to-date enough to answer his many questions. A genuine interest is the best compliment for anybody, after all. Something yesterday's visitor had in full measure,

And despite his own privileged background, the Duke of York desperately wants to make opportunities available to all young people.

He is 55, a father-of-two and the second son and third child of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Indeed, he was the first baby to be born to a reigning monarch for 103 years.

Prince Andrew until his marriage in 1986, he was then created the Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.

His Royal Highness served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, seeing active service in the Falklands campaign and Commanding HMS Cottesmore.

And who can forget him arriving home from all those miles away when his mother was waiting to greet the troops, with a rose between his teeth! Today, the Duke is a full-time working member of the Royal Family, a loyal supporter of the Queen and focused on creating skilled jobs and helping with the economic success of the United Kingdom.

He concentrates his efforts on education and skills, science and engineering and small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship. Just right to now climb the ladder of apprenticeship success right here in Shropshire!

And so, on a grey Monday morning, the Prince lifted spirits, gave sound advice and support and won applause from everyone involved.

High Sheriff and businessman Robert Bland, there with his wife Tricia, was one Shropshire leader who was full of praise for the scheme and everyone involved.

And I was so inspired, I think I might go for another 50 myself!