A WEST Cumbrian factory is due to receive a royal visit this week.

New Balance, based in Flimby, and the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) will greet HRH The Princess Royal on Thursday.

Princess Anne is visiting New Balance’s UK manufacturing facility in her role as president of UKFT.

The visit will include the presentation of certificates to long serving associates.

Andy Okolowicz, New Balance’s factory manager, said: "We are particularly proud to have the immense privilege of welcoming Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our factory here in Flimby. The royal visit stands as a special moment for all of us."

New Balance, which employs 273 people at its UK site, is a member of UKFT’s Federated Member the British Footwear Association (BFA).

The royal visit forms part of UKFT’s Let’s Make It Here initiative, which celebrates Britain’s manufacturing heritage.

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: "It is fantastic for HRH The Princess Royal to see the good work a global brand like New Balance is doing in West Cumbria, where it has been committed to locally-producing high-quality shoes in the UK since 1982. Now more than ever we need to invest in UK manufacturing and ensure we create the right environment and pipeline of new talent for the industry to thrive for many years to come."