Birthday cake is being made in Poundbury as Prince Charles, who has just turned 70, returns to his model development.

Details of the Prince of Wales' autumn visit to the community have been announced, and residents say they will be wishing him a 'happy birthday' when he drops in.

His main two engagements on Monday, November 26 will be to officially open the Dorchester Community Church – Poundbury's first church, which has recently relocated to new premises in Liscombe Street, and also to open a new housing development in Peverell Avenue East.

Charles, the longest serving heir to the throne, was sent congratulations from around the world on Wednesday as he marked his landmark birthday.

Gun salutes were fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in London's Green Park, while the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out in honour of the prince.

Charles spent his birthday working, holding meetings before he and the Duchess of Cornwall had tea with a group of inspirational people who also celebrate their 70th birthday this year.

In the evening, there was a birthday bash, a glittering black-tie party, at Buckingham Palace.

Celebrations at Poundbury – the prince's experimental new town and Dorchester's urban extension which marks its 25th year in 2018 – are not likely to be as grand, but a warm welcome will be extended nevertheless.

Pastor at Dorchester Community Church Roger Frapwell said he was thrilled the prince was coming to officially open the building which opened at the end of September. The church used to be based at Acland Road in a building which was deemed no longer fit for purpose. It is being demolished to make way for new retail development.

It is expected Charles will visit the café at the church, meet members of the Monday study group and those from the cancer support group Butterflies which meet at the building.

"We'll also have a toddler group here that morning and we'll be inviting His Royal Highness to make a birthday cake out of Play-Doh if he has time," said Mr Frapwell.

He said the prince, who will be unveiling a plaque at the premises, will be told of the church's community ethos, running different projects, bringing the generations together and offering different 'menu options' for people at weekends, rather than just focusing on Sunday worship.

Charles will also open Yarlington Housing Group’s new Extra Care housing development for elderly people at Yarlington Melrose Court, the largest independent living development built by the Yeovil-based group.

The development is made up of 63 self-contained apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership. The apartments are said provide an alternative to a care home.