THE Duke of York began his day in the county with a visit to the Morgan Motor Company, Malvern.

The world-renowned company is planning to break into the US market with its new Aero 8 sports car and is the kind of company the Duke promotes in his role as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

Prince Andrew, who was on his third visit to Malvern in three years, was welcomed by managing director Charles Morgan, who then introduced him to directors of the company and new chairman, Alan Garnett.

HRH then toured the Pickersleigh Road factory, meeting staff and managers.

Steve Summers, manager of the trim department - where the seats are covered and the hoods individually tailored for the hand-built cars - said it was an honour to meet the Duke.

"It's quite nice, isn't it, to have celebrities visit," said Mr Summers, from Sherrards Green, adding that he had met the Duke of Kent and Rowan Atkinson when they had visited the famous company.

Chris Bocock, chief executive of Malvern Hills District Council, said it was nice to be able to share the delights of Malvern with a member of the Royal family.

"I'm delighted that once again we've been able to show what Malvern has got to offer.

"We're very proud of what we've got here and it's nice to be able to share that with a member of the Royal family."

Following his visit to the Morgan Motor Company, the Duke visited Malvern Instruments.

The company, in Grovewood Road, makes high-precision particle measurement equipment that is exported all over the world.