An Ilkley company has seen a boost to its fortunes following a trip to Italy - and wowed big names such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Max Mara.

The Woolmark Company unveiled its new colour and fabric trends to a group of delegates who supply some of the top fashion companies.

The group of 80 delegates, who represented around 50 firms, received the new products "enthusiastically" according to the company.

Malcolm Campbell, commercial director at The Woolmark Company, said: "The presentation was exceptionally well received and generated projects to develop new yarns and fabrics.

"I am delighted that so many people turned up, especially for a presentation on spring wool trends. It shows that wool is genuinely perceived as a transeasonal fibre." Delegates at the event, which is held twice a year, also raised interest in new licences for Woolmark, the recognised logo which guarantees quality and standards in wool products.

Mr. Campbell added: "It's fantastic news that even more companies working at the very centre of Italian textile production, supplying some of the most prestigious names in fashion, wish to join forces with The Woolmark Company."

Fashion delegates at the event, which was held in Prato, the heartland of Italian textile production,

discussed the latest developments in wool research, the international wool market and The Woolmark Company's activities.

The firm also presented its portfolio of colour and fabric trends to the group.

The portfolio was developed by Peter Lefevre, creative design manager at The Woolmark Company, along with fashion consultant Esther Lorber.

The Woolmark Company, which was formerly known as the International Wool Secretariat, licenses. The Woolmark, Woolmark Blend and Wool Blend logos to more than 60 countries around the world.