There have been brighter times for the wool textile industry and, in particular, those making carpets.

But it was all smiles yesterday at the headquarters of the British Wool Marketing Board in Bradford as Prince Andrew called in to help celebrate those firms battling - and succeeding - against the odds.

The UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment was on the Euroway Trading Estate to present the British Wool International Quality Awards.

The awards were handed out to carpet manufacturers which excelled in their use of British Wool, including two Japanese companies. Among those honoured was Michael Barraclough of Mirfield-based Joseph Barraclough Ltd, which won the 'yarn' category; he also received a prize for his contribution to the revival of the industry.

BWMB chairman Frank Langrish said carpets represented a major part of the board's activity, with 70 per cent of British fleece being used in carpet manufacture.

He admitted wool was now a niche product, representing only 2.5 per cent of the world's fibre market. But he applauded the efforts of manufacturers to devise innovative products and fight off overseas competition.

"I am encouraged that, after a number of years of increasingly difficult times, there is still enthusiasm from manufacturers and we received a very, very high number of entries," said Mr Langrish.

Prince Andrew met the winners as well as sheep farmers, buyers, manufacturers and retailers. Then he toured the BWMB headquarters.

The afternoon was capped when he was presented with a luxury golf bag featuring the BWMB's own new "house check" tartan, designed specifically to be launched in the Japanese market.

Peter Ackroyd, of the British Wool Textile Export Corporation, said Prince Andrew had been particularly interested in the end uses of the wool.

He said the Royal Family had been big supporters of British Wool through their support of the industry and high-quality fashion which uses it, and added that the link with Japan was significant, with British wool exports there having grown by around five per cent last year.

John Lambert, director general of the Confederation of British Wool Textiles, hailed Prince Andrew's visit as a boost to the industry.

"It is very good for the morale of the industry when it has been going through such difficult times for the past six or seven years and quite a fillip and a boost to have a Royal visitor," he said.

"The Duke of York has been very supportive to the industry in his current role and we are very grateful and appreciative of that."