THREE Worcestershire firms have been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the most prestigious award for business.

Worcester based OLPRO, which creates Outdoor Leisure Products for customers around the world, receives the Queen's Award for International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Zenthis Ltd, a micro-multinational open source software company based in Malvern receives the Queen's Award for International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

And Fibex Limited, a small company based in Kidderminster, receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation for the development of their Trenchlite system.

Louise Hewett, Deputy Lieutenant with delegated responsibility for the Queen’s Award in Worcestershire, said: “We are delighted that three Worcestershire businesses have received this highly prestigious accolade and on behalf of The Lord-Lieutenant I would like to send them our congratulations.

“Winning this Award offers businesses multiple benefits, including global recognition, a boost to staff morale and increased growth and I would encourage Worcestershire businesses to consider entering in the future.”

The three businesses will be presented with their award and grant of appointment by the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft later in the year. Armstrong Fluid Technology, which is in the process of moving to Droitwich and that has been awarded a Queen's Award for Enterprise, was counted as a Halesowen firm by the scheme.

The Queen’s Award scheme was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965 and the first Awards were made in 1966.