JAFFA Cakes served on a Cumbria Crystal platter were laid out for a special royal visitor to the Furness shop and factory.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester was treated to a guided tour of the Ulverston glassmakers on Monday (July 24).

Fuelled by a couple of the chocolate orange flavoured snacks, which are reportedly a 'particular favourite', he started the tour in the shop and then moved into the factory.

Chris Blade, managing director at Cumbria Crystal, acted as tour guide and said that the whole team was 'really pleased' that the Duke had chosen to visit and support the company.

"Of course he may well have in the past have used Cumbria Crystal, drunk from it, because we often supply royal families around the world," Mr Blade said.

"I think he may have chosen to visit here because we're the last luxury crystal manufacturer in the UK. Hand-blowing crystal is a dying art so therefore he's supporting a heritage industry."

Cumbria Crystal is the last producer of completely hand-blown and hand-cut, full-lead, luxury English crystal in the United Kingdom.

The brand is associated with several high-profile names. It is the crystal of choice for television shows such as Downton Abbey, British embassies and royal customers include the Queen's nephew David Linley.

Viscount Linley's bespoke collection was on display, which the Duke noticed and appreciated being able to see.

After browsing the glassware in the shop, Prince Richard then made his way into the heat of the factory where he tried his hand at glass blowing, pulling liquid crystal and cutting the crystal.

Robert Thompson, a glass cutter, guided Prince Richard with a simple criss-cross design which Mr Thompson said was 'more difficult than it looks'.

"It's nice to know that people know we're here and appreciate us," he said, of HRH's visit.

Mr Thompson, who has worked at the company for the past 30 years, said that the Duke could have a career in the glass cutting 'with a little bit of training'.

Unsuspecting holidaymakers, the Nicolson family, were pleasantly surprised to see a suited Duke try his hand at the craft.

Lucy Nicolson, her husband Craig and their young sons Harry and Theo had arrived from their home in Ingleby Barwick to Flookburgh the same day.

"We've been in the glass factory before," Mrs Nicolson said, "We saw the mayor and I was pointing him out and did not even realise the Duke was here.

"How nice to see him, it's really special."

Local dignitaries joined the Duke on his site visit, with chair of South Lakeland District Council, Councillor Eric Morrell saying how 'wonderful' it was that HRH had got so involved.

"It's wonderful," he said. "Royal visits are just a great thing for any organisation and any business.

"Members of the royal family always seem to go that step further and make sure they do understand people working in industry.

"We have never known one who is so hands on!"

To conclude his visit, the Duke was presented with a gift of two high ball glasses and one large jug from Cumbria Crystal's Grasmere collection.

Following the visit, Mr Blade said: "I thought he was incredibly inquisitive. I thought he was very sharp, asking intelligent and perceptive questions."