A member of the royal family is due to visit Bradford this month as part of her support for the Campaign for Wool.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will visit four wool and textile companies in the area on Tuesday, July 24.

The Countess will start her tour by officially opening the new offices at The British Wool Marketing Board, on Canal Road.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Dale Smith and Lady Mayoress Margaret Smith will greet the Countess on her first visit to The British Wool Marketing Board, a farmer-run organisation which operates the central marketing system for UK fleece wool.

Tony Oakland-Smith, head of marketing at the company, said: “We are very pleased the Countess is coming and look forward to her visit at the official opening of our new offices.”

The Countess, born Sophie Rhys-Jones, will then visit Haworth Scouring at Cashmere Works, Birksland Street, Bradford, which is the largest commission wool scouring company of its kind, to open its new showroom.

Owner Martin Curtis said members of the royal family had given a lot of support to the Campaign for Wool.

Mr Curtis said: “We are highly honoured to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex to open our new showroom.”

The Campaign For Wool was set up initially by the Prince of Wales in 2008, who observed the challenges the wool industry faces, and its aims are designed to help the industry survive.

The Countess of Wessex will also visit textile manufacturer Bulmer and Lumb Group Limited in Buttershaw and Westex Carpets Limited in Cleckheaton.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Gibbons, will welcome her to Bradford and will greet her at Bulmer and Lumb Group Limited.

He said: “Bradford is honoured and delighted to welcome her and we look forward to her visit. We understand it is a busy time for her, but thank her for spending with us.”