The Duke of York will visit Melksham next week to present a firm with the prestigious Queen’s Award and meet one of its longest serving employees.

Prince Andrew will be guest of honour at manufacturing firm Checkmate Group, which took over the former Avon premises in Pegasus Way, Bowerhill, on Tuesday.

This is the second Queen’s Award for Innovation for the Wiltshire and Kent-based manufacturer, which received their first four years ago.

The award is for the development of a new type of rubber airbag, used to secure cargo in the holds of ships.

The Duke will present the award to Paul Auston, chairman of Checkmate UK, and Richard ‘Henry’ Berry, the longest serving employee, who has worked for Avon Rubber and then Checkmate Flexible Engineering for a total of 46 years.

Checkmate bought the Avon Fabrication business, formerly owned by Avon Rubber, eight years ago and transferred the 22 employees to its premises in Bowerhill.

Melksham mayor Richard Wiltshire, Wiltshire High Sheriff Robert Floyd, and Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns of the Royal Navy will be among the VIP guests.