The Duchess of Cornwall marvelled at the skills shown by a group of industrious women making costume jewellery today.

Camilla is used to wearing fabulous diamonds and pearls at state banquets and other formal occasions but was still left impressed by the simple but eye-catching earrings, bracelets and necklaces created by the hobbyists.

The women showed off their handiwork in a new community centre in London's East End opened by the royal today.

The workers make the items from wire and coloured beads for fun and sell them at community day events to raise funds for the Bigland Green Community centre in Shadwell.

Camilla chatted to the women, who all have children at the nearby Mulberry School for Girls, which the Duchess also visited to learn about the academic success of the comprehensive's pupils.

The Duchess was eager to have a go but told Shazna Khanom, whose daughter is an A-level student at the school: "I can't do it without my specs."

She added: "I think it would be nice to make a pair of earrings or bracelet," and later praised the women's jewellery, saying: "I think this is fantastic, it's lovely, very good."

Before leaving she was presented with a matching bracelet and earrings made from silver beads.

The centre will be used by the community close to the school in the London borough of Tower Hamlets and has an auditorium and large rooms for activities.

In a short impromptu speech, the Duchess told her guests: "I've been so impressed by everything I have seen," adding "I hope it goes from strength to strength and I'm sure you will."