The Prince of Wales pulled a pint of micro-brewed beer in Croydon, as he returned to a community badly hit by the riots which swept London last year.

A smiling Prince Charles raised a glass of 3.8 per cent Cronx Brewery Standard during a visit with the Duchess of Cornwall.

The mood was a completely different one from when the royal couple visited last year, when the community was left dazed by widespread lawlessness.

Charles and Camilla met shopkeepers, residents, faith leaders and mingled with shoppers and stall-holders during a walkabout at the 13th century Surrey Street market.

They chatted with passers-by and Charles took particular interest in stalls selling locally-grown produce, while Camilla accepted a fiery bottle of chilli sauce from the Mad-Ass Chilli Sauce company.

Earlier the royals were greeted by cheers, claps and the harmonious sounds of a local gospel choir at the Croydon Voluntary Action centre.