PHONE hacking produced a stream of stories about Princes William and Harry for the News of the World, the hacking trial heard.

Former royal editor Clive Goodman revealed details of a deal he made with private detective Glenn Mulcaire dubbed Project Alexander.

He claimed it was agreed by then-editor Andy Coulson at the same time another senior journalist was using him to hack on a "pretty industrial scale".

Goodman said it began in October 2005 with a £500 a week arrangement and went on ad hoc until Goodman's arrest for hacking in August 2006, the Old Bailey heard.

He gave Mulcaire the names of the princes' assistant, private secretary and also the Prince of Wales's head of press, he said.

An email from Goodman to Coulson in February 2006 was read to the court. In it, Goodman told Coulson: "A few weeks ago you asked me to find new ways of getting into the family, especially William and Harry, and I came up with this safe, productive and cost-effective way. I'm confident it will become a big story gold mine for us if you just let it run just a little longer."

The court heard about stories which Goodman confirmed came from hacking. They included a story about William getting lost in woods during a night exercise and getting shot with blanks. Harry's phone was also hacked to listen to a jokey message from his brother, the court heard.

Pretending to be his then- girlfriend Chelsy Davy, William calls him "you big hairy fat ginger".

Goodman, 56, of Surrey, admitted hacking and was sentenced in 2007. He denies conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office. All the defendants in the case deny charges against them. The case continues.