IT was a proud day for workers at two of Swindon's manufacturing plants as they played host on a whistle-stop tour by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

The prince was in town working in support of British Trade Inter-national, a Government body which supports UK companies and encourages foreign investment. He was visiting both plants because of their foreign ownership.

He began the day visiting Swin-don Pressings, owned by the Ger-man BMW group.

Arriving shortly after 10am, he was greeted by former Swindon mayor, Stan Pajak, and Bob Bolam, the managing director of Swindon Pressings.

The prince stepped out of a Honda Prelude saloon in a long grey raincoat, with a blue shirt and yellow tie and was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, General Sir Maurice Johnston.

Greeting the prince in the rain, Coun Pajak explained it was his last day of mayoral duties and the prince wished him well.

Mr Bolam said he was delighted by the factory visit. He said: "We have seen many changes over the last few years and the prince's visit will raise the profile of the plant and improve the morale of the workforce."

The prince donned safety glasses before walking out onto the factory floor. He spoke to plant employees and several apprentices.

Many workers spent a few minutes away from their machines and tools to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor.

Among them was Neil Drew, training co-ordinator at the plant. He said: "I was quite nervous about speaking to prince but he seems very interested in what we do."

Prince Andrew then spoke to Aaron Prictor an apprentice at the plant.

He was very nice," said Aaron, "He asked me how long I had worked here and if I enjoyed it, he seemed really interested."

Coinciding with the Prince's visit was news that a new open-top Mini is to be produced.

Mr Bolam said that body panels for the new Mini variant would be produced in Swindon.

He said: "We are all amazed at the success of the Mini it has exceeded all of our expectations."

The new car will be produced at Cowley in Oxford.

That factory turned out 160,000 Minis last year, and more than 200,000 have been sold worldwide.

After a short tour of Swindon Pressings the prince was driven to the £1.15 billion Honda car plant at South Marston.

In spite of the downpour, a Royal standard was raised and the long convoy stopped outside the reception building.

He toured the factory's number two production facility manufacturing Honda Civics.

Richard Marlow, materials logistics department manager, spent several minutes with the prince.

He said: "He was very relaxed and we had a good chat and shared a joke about the complexities and responsibilities of the job, he was very enthusiastic."

Eddie Kembery, plant manager, summed up the visit to Honda: "The prince seemed extremely impressed with the factory and the manufacturing processes we use and spent lots of time talking to our associates and I think we all enjoyed the opportunity to talk with him."

Afterwards the royal visitor flew to Hullavington near Malmesbury to meet air cadets and volunteers at the gliding school.