Prince Charles has told a village how "immensely resilient" it is.

And he pledged support for plans for a new centre there.

His message was read out yesterday when members of the Church, Bradford Council and business community came together to launch a new "heart" for Cottingley.

The Cottingley Cornerstone Centre will provide new facilities on the site of St Michael and All Angels' Church in Littlelands.

A large, multi-use hall, meeting rooms, computer suite, cafe and advice centre will be built with a new church.

The Prince, through his statement, spoke of his shock and utter dismay at learning the local war memorial had been vandalised for a second time. But he paid tribute to the community and said he would continue to give support.

"I cannot tell you how utterly dismayed I was to hear that the figure of Christ had been vandalised again. But I know from my memorable and happy visit last year that the community at St Michael's and in Cottingley is immensely resilient."

He said he wanted to continue to work with the church and looked forward to seeing the plans.

The Reverend Sue Pinnington, vicar of St Michael and All Angels' Church, pictured with Assistant Bishop of Bradford the Rt Rev David Young, said the Prince's involvement was a silver lining.

"From out of the heartbreak of vandalism and destruction we seek to create a new heart in Cottingley, working with the whole community.

"When the Prince of Wales re-dedicated the war memorial he talked about finding silver linings, and we're determined to turn the negative into good. Christ is very much at the heart of the community and the Cornerstone Centre can be a living symbol of that beating heart."

She added: "We have been working extensively with the Prince's Foundation, who will be involved in the design and planning process which will take place after Easter.

"We are enormously grateful to the Foundation and Business in the Community - both Prince Charles's organisations - for the contribution of their skills and expertise."

Christina Briggs, headteacher at Cottingley Village Primary School, said it was wonderful that something good was coming out of something negative.

At the launch yesterday a covenant between St Michael's Church, the Diocese of Bradford and Bradford Council was signed, pledging their support for the regeneration of the Littlelands site.