A FEED manufacturer is celebrating being awarded the most prestigious accolade in its 108 year history.

I'Anson Brothers, which is based in Masham, has won the 2008 Queen's Award for Enterprise for innovation.

The award recognises the development of the revolutionary quick-soaking sugar beet feed Speedi-Beet, which has become a market leader in the demanding equine feed sector.

It was presented to sales director Will I'Anson at a winners' celebration at the Gladstone Library in Whitehall, London.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive the Queen's Award. It is a great achievement not just for the I'Anson family but for everyone who has contributed towards our success, especially our loyal, hard working employees. It is my genuine pleasure to unreservedly thank every one of them.

"The development and promotion of Speedi-Beet has been a real team effort, with everyone involved playing an important part in the product's success.

"We will all be extremely proud to display the Queen's Award Emblem, as it is a coveted, independent endorsement of the quality of the company and a very significant, prestigious milestone marking our continued expansion worldwide."

Speaking about the 2008 Queen's Awards for Enterprise, Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the winning companies as "standard-bearers for the very best of British business."

He added: "These firms embody the spirit of enterprise and innovation that is so vital to the future of Britain's economy. Whether large or small, every one of this year's winning organisations has achieved outstanding success in its field."