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The Duchess of Cornwall has appeared in the long-running ´óÏó´«Ã½ rural drama The Archers after visiting the programme's studio in Birmingham earlier.

Camilla, a fan of the show, featured in the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 programme in her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society.

Her performance was recorded when two actors, a producer and a soundman went to Clarence House in December.

She met the cast at the studio at The Mailbox on Wednesday.

Camilla also saw some of the special effects used in the drama.

Carole Boyd, who plays Lynda Snell, said: "She's just so human and so very, very warm and she stands close to you.

"You don't feel that you're at arm's length."

It is not the first time a member of the Royal family has appeared on Radio 4's "everyday tale of country folk".

In 1984 the late Princess Margaret appeared in an episode marking the centenary of the NSPCC, of which she was president.

The Archers celebrated 60 years on air on 2 January, an anniversary it marked by killing off one of its characters.

Camilla also visited the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Midlands Today studio during her time in Birmingham on Wednesday ahead of her appearance on The Archers at 1900 GMT.

Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen added: "She said 'I don't want to interrupt anyone, you're all looking very busy'.

"I said 'no, they're delighted to see you'."