MESSAGES of congratulations have been pouring in since last week's announcement that Charles and Camilla are to wed.

Although Prince Charles spent part of Valentine's Day visiting Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, the news of his romance was still the main talking point.

Two brave five-year-olds, Ceris Owen and Lucy Jones, from Haslington, near Crewe, presented the prince with a handmade engagement card.

Charles was also presented with a heart-shaped hand-tied bouquet of flowers to mark the day and his engagement.

The news of the couple's engagement brought with it speculation that Camilla could soon be the next Countess of Chester.

The confusion over seating arrangements at the wedding of the Duke of Westminster's daughter at Chester Cathedral last November is rumoured to have been the catalyst for this latest development.

Divorcees Prince Charles, 56, and Camilla Parker-Bowles, 57, are expected to seal their 30-year romance at a civil ceremony on April 8 this year.

Christine Russell, MP for Chester said: 'At the time of Lady Tamara's wedding numerous people stopped me in the street to say they should be able to sit together.

'I think attitudes have changed in the last 40 years.

'I personally wish them many years of happiness together, they are devoted to each other. I think they are doing the right thing.'

The prince's visit to Reaseheath College on Monday on was one of his first public engagements since the announcement. Reaseheath's principal Meredydd David said: 'We are very pleased and proud to be among the first to congratulate His Royal Highness following the announcement of his wedding plans. Obviously all our staff and students are delighted at the news and offer His Royal Highness and Camilla Parker Bowles our full congratulations.'

Cheshire's chief executive Jeremy Taylor said: 'I would like to pass on my warmest congratulations to Prince Charles and Mrs Parker-Bowles.

Stephen O'Brien, MP for Eddisbury, also at Reaseheath, said: 'I congratulate the Prince and Camilla and wish them every happiness.'

Clarence House issued the following statement on behalf of the Queen: 'The Duke of Edinburgh and I are very happy that The Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker-Bowles are to marry.

'We have given them our warmest good wishes for their future together.'