Princess Anne visited West Cumbria today to promote British-made products.

The Princess Royal spoke to Cumbrian leaders as she was given a tour of New Balance Flimby's factory floor.

A representative of the UKFTA said: "We're a trade association, we represent companies in fashion and textiles. One of the biggest things we champion is UK manufacturing."

Princess Anne's visit came about because she was "keen" to see how manufacturing happens in one of the UK's biggest companies.

After flying-in by helicopter, the princess royal greeted the ranks of officials and forces including members of the Air Training Corps.

Chief Executive of the British Footwear Association, John Saunders said: "New Balance are the second biggest manufacturer of footwear in the UK."

Princess Anne was shown high-tech methods of production. Neoprene was targeted by lasers to mark-out symmetrical lines. Mr Saunders said it took four people when he joined but has since become a streamlined process, taking just one person to operate the equipment.

Style developers Esther Williams-High and Haniyeh Pattinson showed the early planning stages of a design to the Princess Royal.

"It's all about quality, everybody wants a Flimby made New Balance shoe," said Mrs Williams-High.

She added that Princess Anne was interested to hear about the workers' backgrounds.

Speaking of New Balance's craftsmanship, the Princess Royal said: "The mixture here of skill is very important."

The princess presented awards to the longest serving members of the New Balance team. Andy Okolowicz, the factory manager of Flimby New Balance then presented the Princess Royal with her own pair of custom-made trainers. The special design was kept under lock and key until the unveiling.