PRINCE Andrew flew the flag for British industry when he visited three Worcestershire factories.

He toured the Mazak in Warndon, Worcester - which produces metal-cutting tools used to make everything from jewellery to jet engines - the Morgan Motor Company in Malvern, and Malvern Instruments, which makes high-precision measurement equipment.

All are major exporters.

Prince Andrew - acting as an ambassador for international trade and investment - said what he had seen was "outstanding".

"I would like to encourage all inward investors to stay and increase their footprint in Britain," he told factory workers.

Prince Andrew's grasp of business matters impressed local business representatives.

"He was very well informed," said Eric Brown, director of international trade of the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. "We spoke about farm diversification and GM foods, and about some of the businesses we are helping."

Christ Bocock, chief executive of Malvern Hills District Council, added: "It's nice to be able to share what we've got here with a member of the Royal family."