A charity which helps improve the lives of people with severe and enduring mental health problems was paid a visit by the Duke of Cambridge.

Core Arts was set up 26 years ago and the art college in St Barnabas Terrace, Homerton, now delivers more than 80 classes a week in art, music, multi-media, sports and horticulture to more than 1000 members.

Members are referred to the project by health and social care clinicians.

Prince William visited to learn more about the charity’s work, as part of his ongoing interest in mental health.

He met trustees of the not-for-profit social business, and watched classes in logic, singing, portraiture, ceramics, botanical drawing and song writing, and chatted to members about their work.

Core Arts director Paul Monks said: “It was a great honour to be visited by the Duke and we thank him for taking the time to come and see us to learn about our work.

“He was incredibly well-informed and passionate about mental health and it was instantly apparent just how much he cares.”