Crackshot prince 'a hit' on tour

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Prince William has continued his three-day trip to Australia with visits to a firing range, a homeless hostel and Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens.

The 27-year-old practised his marksmanship at an Australian paratrooper range and spoke to men staying at a hostel.

The prince was later greeted by hundreds of well-wishers, and he joked he would like to buy a Sydney home.

William last visited Australia as a nine-month-old baby in 1983.

He arrived in Australia from New Zealand on Tuesday after his first official visit there representing the Queen.

As the prince continued his tour on Wednesday at a firing range, his shooting skills were praised by Australian soldiers.

The furthest distance between his shots on the target was 10.4cm (4in) - an infantryman would normally expect to manage 15cms (6in).

It has been a terrific couple of days in Sydney and because of that I will actually try and buy a house in Sydney Prince William

L/Cpl Peter Phillips, 29, a section commander from Alpha company, said: "If we had soldiers come in and do that on their first day they would be a master shot in a couple of weeks.

"He's not familiar with the rifle we gave him, they have the SA80 in Britain, so that's an excellent result."

During his visit to the homeless charity, William was joined by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, whose office helped organised the visit to Australia.

Later, during a barbecue held in his honour at the Royal Botanic Gardens, the prince praised how local people had responded to him.

He said: "I have had the most warm welcome ever, not just with the weather but with all Sydney people, thank you so, so much.

"It has been a terrific couple of days in Sydney and because of that I will actually try and buy a house in Sydney, so if any of you have any properties for sale please let me know."