THE Duke of York was due to visit Worcestershire today in his role as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

Prince Andrew was due to visit several companies engaged in export activity, including Yamazaki Mazak UK, in Warndon, Worcester, at about 2.15pm.

He will start his day in Malvern, at the world-renowned Morgan Motor Company, in Pickersleigh Road, where he will view production of the new Aero 8 sports car with managing director Charles Morgan.

He will then visit particle measurement equipment company Malvern Instruments, in Grovewood Road.

The Royal party is then due to make its way to Worcester for lunch, at the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, where the prince will meet the UK Trade and Investment International Trade Team, the chamber's chief executive, Christine Jones, board members, and senior managers.

The lunch will be followed by the visit to Yamazaki's European headquarters, in Badgeworth Drive, where the duke will be welcomed by Dr Elmar Barz, general director of Yamazaki Mazak European Group, and Dr David Jack, managing director of Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd.

"There will be a tour of the Technology Centre, where a range of Mazak advanced machine tools will be operational," said a spokesman for the firm.

"On view will be a range of machined components, from jet engine parts to jewellery, typical of those made on Mazak machine tools.

"There will then be a tour of the machining and assembly areas in the factory, taking the opportunity to meet employees and view the operations at first hand."

He is then due to visit Brintons Carpets, in Kidderminster, the largest manufacturer of woven carpets in the world. He was invited by group managing director John Pilling to formally open the new £6m fully-automated dye house and unveil a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

For the full story and pictures of the Duke of York's visit to Worcestershire, see

tomorrow's Evening News.