AN OSWESTRY business has received royal approval, with Princess Anne paying a visit.

The Princess Royal visited Aico, in Maesbury Road, on Friday, October 8, to pay recognition to the firm's impact as a business in Shropshire.

She was met by Aico's managing director Neal Hooper, alongside local dignitaries Mandy Thorn, Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire, Owen Paterson, North Shropshire MP, Councillor Vince Hunt, chairman of Shropshire Council, Cllr Mark Jones, mayor of Oswestry and his mayoress Ruth Jones.

Her Royal Highness was given a tour of the firm by Mr Hooper, to provide an insight into the company's history, their innovations within home life safety and corporate social responsibility programme.

After the tour, Princess Anne was presented with a gift – a horse headcollar adorned with an Aico monogram, before concluding the visit with the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the visit.

Following the royal visit, Mr Hooper said he was delighted with the firm's recognition.

He said: "At Aico, we are committed to providing the highest quality in all that we do and this is evident in our passionate people, continued innovation, exceptional service and unrivalled support.

"Our philosophy has provided a foundation for growth, constantly driving forwards, seeking novel ways of doing things which has proved to be the essence of our approach to corporate social responsibility.

"To receive this recognition from Her Royal Highness is nothing short of an absolute honour, we are privileged to have been able to share Aico's ethos with The Princess Royal."