YEP Says: How a princess won new army of admirers in Leeds

The devastating blaze three years ago was a terrible blow for the company, but the company didn’t roll over. Instead, it set about rebuilding its factory which now covers the size of three football pitches.

It took two years for the work to be completed but the company at Rawdon near Leeds celebrated in style when Princess Anne arrived for a tour of the site yesterday where she met employees.

Clive Parkman, Airedale’s managing director, said it was a ‘privilege and an honour’ and that he hoped the company could now build on its world class facility.

We agree and we hope the royal visit was some reward for the hard work which has gone on to making the successful company safe and secure.

The Princess Royal also paid a visit to a charity which she first saw 20 years ago.

She joined in with celebrations of Leeds Carers Centre at Leeds Civic Hall, where she carried out the cake-cutting duties.

The centre said the event was a big success. Princess Anne is already regarded as one of the more hardworking members of the royal family. She certainly won a new army of admirers in this part of Yorkshire.