A family-run firm, the only Royal Warrant holders in Exmouth, were invited to a celebration of the best of British industry at Buckingham Palace last week.

David, Linda, Jack and Kate Wilson of Wilsons Paints, of Church Road, have supplied coach enamel to the Royal Mews since 2004.

They were invited to the four-day Coronation Festival in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, rubbing shoulders with firms including Jaguar and The Ritz Hotel in London.

The event celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation and brought together - for the first time on this scale - over 200 companies who hold Royal Warrants of Appointment, promoting the very best of UK plc, celebrating innovation, excellence and industry through trade and craft.

The Wilsons already supplied coach enamel, but Royal Household staff were so impressed they put in an ongoing order for two more products.

These are Wilsons Coach-Kote, and Devon Wood Oil.

David said: “We were honoured to be asked to be there.

“We had no expectations, so when staff of the Royal household wanted us to supply them with two more products we were very pleased.”

He added: “Not long ago one of the Royal household put in an order for Devon Wood Oil. I didn’t think much of it at the time – it turns out it has been used on the furniture in the Queens summer house.”

Members of the Royal Family visited the exhibits, and the two that showed particular interest were the Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He added: “The Duke of Gloucester was very interested in what we do. He was asking the same questions as members of the public.”

David says that the quality of their products have led to the Royal Warrant, and following thousands of people attending the event, there is now interest in the products abroad.