THE Princess Royal impressed staff at military uniform specialists Wyedean Weaving, Haworth, with her personal knowledge during a visit to celebrate the firm's 50th anniversary in the village.

The Princess Royal was yesterday guided round the Bridgehouse Lane factory, which makes gold braid and military accoutrement by managing director Robin Wright.

“This is a landmark for us and we’re very privileged to have this visit by Her Royal Highness,” said Mr Wright , who flew back yesterday morning from an international trade fair in Abu Dhabi - to which he returned last night.

The Princess, wearing a green three-quarter length Tweed traditional English riding coat and soft charcoal suede boots, chatted with Mr Wright about everything from sword slings to cap badges and even the company’s new range of exclusive garters for bridal stockings.

Mr Wright’s daughter Rosie is the third family generation at the mill and heads the new venture in bridal fashion.

In a spotless machine room Gwen Morris, in her 21st year and due to retire, demonstrated a needle loom set up to make medal ribbon.

And surrounded by threads of every colour from RAF Grey to New Pink, Princess Anne saw the warping room where operator Joanne Mitchell demonstrated precision looms for making regimental ties and tape.

Her Royal Highness then met Ruth Shaw making distinctive braids called Aiguillettes.

“After 25 years I can almost do these thumb plaits in my sleep,” she said.

Unveiling a plaque to commemorate Wyedean’s 50 years in Haworth, Princess Anne praised Mr Wright and his 20 staff : “People here have very special attributes and skills and huge congratulations on maintaining that.”

Referring to her own knowledge of ceremonial military uniforms she joked: “And I think I may need a refresher on how to do a sword knot”.

She was presented with a black velvet cushion intricately embroidered with her personal coat of arms in dazzling colours and gold thread and made by Gwynnie Williamson.

Referring to the gift, Princess Anne said: “Oh that is very smart. That kind of skill takes such a long time to learn. Things wouldn’t be the same without you all, thank you very, very much.”

Another guest, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Roger L’Amie, said: “Again it’s refreshing to see such a successful firm in the Bradford district with such a worldwide standing.”

The chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council John Huxley added: “It’s an amazing place and it’s fantastic that we still have manufacturing like this in Haworth."