Prince Charles has given support to a project encouraging communities to regenerate derelict historic buildings, at its launch in east London on Tuesday.

The Prince of Wales inspected work done to convert the Grade II-listed Wapping Hydraulic Power Station into a centre for arts.

The power station closed in 1977 and millions of pounds is now being spent converting it into a restaurant, bookshop and art gallery.

The royal visit marked the launch of the Revive to Regenerate campaign by the Architectural Heritage Fund to encourage communities to help regenerate historic buildings at risk.

Wapping power station

1890 It was steam driven 1923 Two electric turbine pumps added 1950s:Whole station converted to electricity The station was used as a model for power stations in Argentina, Australia, New York and Europe.

It believes bringing neglected buildings back into use can benefit whole communities by attracting new investment and creating new jobs.

Director Jonathan Thompson said: "There is clear evidence that these buildings begin the process of renewal which can generate millions of pounds of physical and economic benefit to local communities.

"Volunteer enthusiasm and charitable status unlock funding not available to private owners or developers."

The Wapping Hydraulic Power Station was built in 1890 and harnessed Thames water to provide power to the surrounding docks and throughout central London.

It stands in an area that has been the focus of a major regeneration effort over the past twenty years.

The area has recently been made more accessible by the construction of London Underground's Jubilee Line.

Prince Charles was later visiting another new building - Europe's largest equity trading centre, in the City of London.