TINDLE Newspapers, Britain's largest privately owned local weekly newspaper group which publishes the Times series, this month gave substantial backing to the Duke of Cornwall's charity The Prince's Countryside Fund.

The Prince of Wales met company owner Sir Ray Tindle at the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of one of his publications, the Brecon & Radnor Express.

During his visit to Tindle Newspapers, Prince Charles met the management and editors of The Abergavenny Chronicle, The Cambrian News, The Tenby Observer, The Monmouthshire Beacon and the Glamorgan Gem. The prince also met and talked with the entire staff of the Brecon & Radnor Express and of the Abergavenny Chronicle. He was introduced by Sir Ray to the other members of the Board of Tindle Newspapers Ltd, Wendy Craig, Brian Doel and Sue Yates.

Tindle Newspapers, started by Sir Ray with £300 of demob money at the close of World War II, has been providing vital community news to rural areas for decades, with its oldest newspaper being published for more than 200 years. The newspaper group is also a generous supporter of The Prince's Countryside Fund and has given £100,000 to help support people who care for the countryside.

The newspaper group has also committed to raising awareness about The Prince's Countryside Fund and will carry the PCF logo on the masthead of all its newspapers during 2014.

The Prince's Countryside Fund was set up in July 2010 by Business in the Community and The Prince of Wales, who has a long-held commitment to supporting Britain's hard pressed rural areas.

The Fund has given £3 million in grants in 3 years to rural communities, directly benefiting more than 52,000 people. The PCF also operates an emergency fund for times of need.

Victoria Elms, manager of the Prince's Countryside Fund, said:?'Tindle's newspapers are a great source of local knowledge and a vital information source in rural areas.

'We're delighted to receive such a generous donation, which will go towards projects that are working to protect, improve and sustain rural life.'