CHILDREN cheered when the Princess Royal arrived at Burnley clothing manufacturer Grenfell.

The 50 youngsters from St John's RC School, braved cold weather to join residents from Rylands Street who waved flags to welcome her.

Grenfell manufactures high-quality leisure and outdoor coats and jackets by Royal Appointment and more than half its business is exporting to Japan.

The Princess Royal was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth and the Mayor of Burnley Coun Arthur Park, a former worker at the weaving mill.

The Princess, wearing a grey-green three-quarter length woollen coat, black pullover, multi-coloured scarf, leather gloves and boots with her hair swept off her face, learned about the company's history during the factory tour.

Cutting room manager Barry Whittle, with the company since 1960, said: "She asked me about the different fabrics and if the business had changed over the years."

She also stopped to watch bandsaw cutter Shaun Lawrence in action. Shaun said: "I have never met any members of the royal family before but I've met Eric Cantona! I don't usually get nervous when people are watching me, but I was today."

Grandmother Joyce Jackson also met the Royal visitor. "I was a bit nervous and my hands were shaking," she said."I thought she was a bit quiet, but quite down to earth."

In the staff canteen, managing director David Haythornthwaite presented the Princess with a cheque for £1,550 which was raised by the staff for her Save the Children Fund, through various events including lunchtime line dancing in the canteen.

The Princess said: "The money will be a tremendous boost to the charity. It is nice to see a company doing so well."

She was presented with a tweed overcoat made for her husband, Commander Tim Lawrence. She unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit .and the workforce were given the afternoon off.

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