Cheryl Cole's new efforts to help youngsters in and around her home city of Newcastle has been given the royal seal of approval.

The Girls Aloud star and X Factor judge met with Prince Charles at Clarence House yesterday (February 22) to discuss the Cheryl Cole Foundation.

Money raised by the charity will go towards the Prince's Trust in the North-East, reports The Sun.

"Young people can go off the rails without the right care and support,” Cole said. "I want my Foundation to help them realise their potential and get their lives on track."

Cole joins a number of musicians, including Kanye West, who have set up foundations to help youngsters in the areas where they grew up.

(by Jason Gregory)