A DOUBLE celebration is in store for an Alvechurch businessman who is set to pick up a prestigious award on his 75th birthday.

Earlier this year members of the small team of three at Safe and Sound Lighting were introduced to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the royal family when the Queen's Award for Continuous Innovation was announced.

Now co-founder of the company, Peter Jones, is to be presented with the award at his offices at Bordesley Hall on November 13 by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Michael Briton.

Mr Jones, who was an industrialist turned part-time farmer before he set up his latest venture, said: "I am delighted at the age of 75 to be able to create jobs in the Worcestershire area."

The company, which manufactures the Snaplite range of recessed downlighters, was founded just three years ago after trading as FL Patents Lad from 1997.

The downlighters have been developed with inbuilt fire and acoustic protection and the latest products in the range are accredited to deal effectively with fire resistance and sound insulation and prevent condensation and heat loss.

They also seal against smoke progression adding to the life saving designs of domestic housing.