Timberpride welcomed the Prince of Wales to its offices and sawmill in Tetbury today.

Co-Founders husband and wife team Alec and Victoria Golesworthy welcomed The Prince and visiting dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter and the Mayor of Tetbury Cllr Stephen Hirst, to the Timberpride offices in Tetbury.

Also present were the Chairman of Cotswold District Council Cllr Julian Beale and Chief Executive of Cotswold District Council Mr David Neudegg.

The Prince of Wales was formally invited by Alec who wrote to the Prince on the 20th anniversary of the initial loan of £2,500 received from the Prince's Trust, which enabled him to start the Timberpride business in 1995.

On arrival at the Timberpride offices, the Prince was invited to tour the timber yard by Alec and Victoria, where the Prince was shown where the initial process for the timber commences.

He then had the opportunity to see an oak log being prepared on the band saw, before stopping at the Biomass Boiler.

Continuing his tour through the production shed, the Prince watched the processing of planked timber and discussed the importance of the drying process, before the Green oak timber is hand-made into timber trusses and oak frame buildings.

While touring the facilities he stamped an oak leaf symbol on the piece of timber that was specially commissioned for the commemorative timber plaque of the tour.

The visit concluded with a tour of the main office for the unveiling of this commemorative plaque to commemorate his visit.

Alec also designed and commissioned a special timber plaque, which was carved with a personal message of thanks to the Prince, and presented to him by co-founder Victoria Golesworthy.

Alec said: "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness today.

“In 1995 our business was established, supported by a Prince's Youth Business Trust loan of £2,500.

“Today I was able to personally thank HRH The Prince of Wales for the invaluable support and help the Prince's Trust provided to Timberpride at the start of our journey.

“We are very proud of our team, our sawmill and facilities and to be able to showcase this to such a prestigious guest was fantastic."