TWO Newport projects working to help drug addicts and the homeless are to get the royal seal of approval.

Prince Edward is to visit the city on Friday to see for himself the good work done at the Caring Hands and Kaleidoscope centres.

The visits, part of the Prince's tour of South Wales, are designed to highlight the schemes and their contribution to easing Newport's drugs and homelessness problems.

Since November 2003, Kaleidoscope, which is based at St Paul's Church in Commercial Road, has provided drugs treatment and rehabilitation for addicts from across Gwent.

Its main focus is to provide a methadone treatment service for people dependent on heroin, but it also offers counselling, a needle exchange, health information and outreach work.

Caring Hands feeds and clothes many of the city's homeless and those with alcohol and drug problems.

From its current base at the Old School Building in Powell's Place, the charity and its army of volunteers care for between 250 and 300 people each week.

Phil Major, trustee of the Caring Hands charity, told the Argus he was looking forward to Prince Edward's visit. He said: "It's a matter of raising our profile. Some people who may need our service in this area are not aware of Caring Hands and the work it does.

"We also hope our work will attract the attention of the more general public, particularly local businesses who may be able to donate clothes and food."

Newport mayor, Councillor Paul Cockeram, is also to welcome the Prince to Newport.