WILTSHIRE’S Lord Lieutenant, Sarah Rose Troughton, has presented a fourth Queen’s Award for International Trade to Coombe Castle International Ltd.

The presentation to the Melksham-based specialist producer and exporter of British and Irish dairy products took place last Friday.

She handed over the award to the firm’s managing director Darren Larvin, watched by Michelle Donelan, the MP for Chippenham, and the town’s mayor, Cllr Adrienne Westbrook, and employees.

It is the company’s fourth award; the other three were presented in 2001, 2007 and 2013.

Mrs Troughton said: “Coombe Castle International is the only company in Wiltshire to receive this award this year and has won it for an unprecedented fourth time.”

Mr Larvin said: “We are delighted to receive our fourth Queen’s Award, a feat few other companies in dairy industry and general food sector can match.”

The ceremony follows the award winner’s reception hosted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on June 28.

Founded in 1980, Coombe Castle now employs 35 people and exports great tasting British and Irish dairy products to more than 40 countries across the world.

Coombe Castle has its own range of luxurious English creams and partners with over 40 suppliers, including some of the UK’s leading cheese brands.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, now in its 52nd year, are the most prestigious business awards in the country.

Mr Larvin added: “It is a great honour for all our employees at Coombe Castle who’ve worked so hard over the years to build this business.

“This award is recognition of the team’s effort and dedication and the loyalty of our suppliers and customers around the world.”