FOUR employees of a Haworth company have received the King's Coronation Medal.

The quartet – Wyedean Weaving project manager Melanie Kaye and embroiderers Aileen Henderson, Wendy Hatton and Susan Jones – was awarded the accolade in a surprise presentation at an event celebrating the firm's 60th anniversary.

Between them, the four have clocked up 115 years' service with the military accoutrement manufacturer.

Wyedean Weaving last year was awarded the £5 million contract to manufacture the British armed forces’ new regimental colours and standards following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Under Melanie's leadership, the trio of embroiderers spent thousands of hours undertaking applique ornamental needlework and hand embroidery to complete the elaborate fabrics ready for King Charles III's coronation – followed by a fifth standard for the Blues and Royals in time for the king's first Trooping the Colour.

During the firm's anniversary celebration, guests could see the finishing touches being put to the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards Company colours, which consist of the king’s colour to be used at this year’s Trooping ceremony and the regimental colour.

Managing director, Robin Wright, says: "Our 60th anniversary not only marks six decades since my parents went into business at Bridgehouse Mill, but also the completion of a £300,000 investment programme and our team’s manufacture of the latest king’s colour.

"We were thrilled to learn, just before our event, that our embroidery team and project manager Melanie – who this month marks 25 years as an integral part of Wyedean – were to be recognised for their contribution to the official coronation events."

The anniversary event also included a special recognition presentation to Norma Wright, 99, the firm's chair.

Tribute has been paid to the fourth-generation family company by Keighley MP Robbie Moore, who was amongst the guests at the celebration.

He says: "Robin and the whole Wyedean Weaving team are putting our area on the map across the globe as the proud manufacturer of uniforms, braid, insignia, regalia and accoutrement for our armed forces.

"It was a privilege to attend the event to celebrate 60 years of manufacturing prowess, see ribbon being woven first-hand and hear about how money from the Government’s Towns Fund has helped Wyedean modernise its business.

"On behalf of the community, I thank Wyedean and the Wright family for their contribution to our local economy, jobs and manufacturing heritage ­– here’s to another 60 years!"