Three proud representatives of Silsden sleeping bag and clothing firm Snugpak had an appointment at Buckingham Palace on Monday, to celebrate winning a Queen's Award for Innovation in International Trade.

It was the Queen's express wish that representatives from all areas of the company be there, so managing director Michael Dobson, export sales manager Darren Burrell and designer and pattern maker Peter Clarkson went along to the gala event.

Each representative was announced on their entrance and personally introduced to the Queen and Prince Phillip, before being shown into the Royal Gallery to meet with the other winners of the prestigious award.

Over the next few hours Prince Phillip found time to congratulate the Snugpak team personally on the award.

The team also met the Princess Royal and her husband, Commander Timothy Lawrence, along with the Duke of Gloucester and other members of the Royal Household.

Snugpak managing director Michael Dobson said: "The day exceeded our wildest expectations. We were delighted to hear that we would be greeted by the Queen on arrival, but did not expect to enjoy so much of her company before she had to retire to rest her leg.

"The number of other members of the Royal Family who had taken the time to attend was extremely flattering."

Snugpak's Queen's Award was approved by Her Majesty in April last year in acknowledgement of export excellence. The award recognised the efforts the company had made over the last three years to boost its sales and also the British economy.