TWO companies have received royal approval after picking up national awards.

Greenbank Technology and TastyBone, both based in Blackburn, have been honoured with a 2017 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

The awards are given to British businesses who excel at international trade, innovation or sustainable development.

Around 100 companies nationwide were given the accolade.

TastyBone, based at Whitebirk Industrial Estate, makes rubber chew and play toys for dogs, and is part of the pet food manufacturer, Pets Choice.

CEO Tony Raeburn said: “Winning is an incredible achievement and we are honoured to have been awarded such a prestigious accolade.

“Starting as a UK sales-based brand, it was soon found there was a demand for premium pet accessories in other countries.

“Following further quests by retailers, TastyBone could see the potential of launching into the export market and has since expanded into 18 countries worldwide.”

Just three people work for TastyBone, which is owned by Pets Choice.

Over the next few weeks the companies will be receiving a special award from the Lancashire's Lord Lieutenant Charles Kay-Shuttleworth.

Bosses will then be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace with the Queen later this year.

The other winner, Greenbank Technology, is based in Dyneley Road and works on the design and manufacture of ovens, dryers and washing systems.

The company applied for the award in November and staff were delighted when they found out they had won.

Financial director Dean Carney said: “It’s absolutely a very special achievement for us, we’re working on getting the flags with the Queen’s Award logo put up, we’re going to make the most of it.

“We’ve had outstanding growth for the last few years, our turnover has gone from £7million to £18million and we work in countries all over the world.”

A total of 27 staff work at the business in Blackburn and three sales people are also employed around the country.

The news comes as the managing director Brian Schofield retired after 40 years in the industry.

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's chief executive Miranda Barker said: “It’s brilliant for the area that these companies have won.

“East Lancashire businesses are at the forefront of international trade."