IT was a very special occasion when the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, dropped into Orchard Valley Foods for afternoon tea.

Because he was there to present the Tenbury Wells company with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. More than 70 Orchard Valley Foods staff, along with 30 invited guests, attended the tea party at the company's Burford headquarters which provided an opportunity to involve the whole team that has contributed to the success of the firm, particularly in overseas trade. Business founders Mike and Jackie Forrester had attended a reception at Buckingham Palace in July along with other award recipients.

Before the reception and presentation, Lt Col Holcroft had a site tour by managing director Cherry Blumberg, during which he met many members of staff in production, warehousing and the office areas. The Lord Lieutenant then joined the champagne reception where he met guests from UK Trade & Investment, Shropshire and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chambers of Commerce, politicians and councillors and representatives of Tenbury organisations to which Orchard Valley Foods gives charitable support.

Lt Col Holcroft presented a cut glass bowl and certificate to Mrs Blumberg, who praised the hard work and dedication of the Orchard Valley team. A celebration cake, showcasing part of Orchard Valley Foods extensive range of confections and decorations, was on display and then cut for everyone to enjoy, along with afternoon tea.