Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, will be visiting Falmouth in two weeks’ time.

The Packet has learned that the duke is due to visit pump manufacturers Watson Marlow in Bickland Water Road on Tuesday, October 14.

He will attend a ground-breaking ceremony at site, marking the start of a £7.3 million expansion of facilities.

The company has received a £1 million investment from the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund to help fund a new silicone tubing plant.

Before the ceremony the duke will be joined by Lady Mary Holborow for a tour of the site’s existing operations.

The visitors will be invited to meet staff members during the tour, as well as assembled managers and guests.

Christopher Gadsden, managing director of Watson Marlow, said: “It is a great honour for us to receive HRH the Duke of York.

“Watson Marlow is delighted to contribute to the growth of Cornwall’s economy. Our expansion will include new jobs for the area, and we will continue to invest in research and development, in order to maintain our position as Europe’s number one positive displacement pump brand.”

The company is the largest manufacturer of tube and hose pumps in the world and has seen annual sales soar past £25 million – an increase of 25 per cent in the last year.