Crewe's Mornflake Oats welcomed a Royal visitor marking a milestone anniversary and the launch of a new 'Oat Milling Centre of Excellence' at its South Cheshire headquarters.

The family firm, home to British Mighty Oats, played host to Princess Anne, 74, who arrived by helicopter and police escort, as it celebrates 350 years of milling and a state-of-the-art facility supporting its commitment to sustainability.

The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque officially opening 'The Oat Milling Centre of Excellence,' a new build to bolster the company's move to sustainable packaging across the bulk of its product range. 

John Lea, Keith Schofield, Tony Currie and Aaron Taylor welcoming Princess Anne to the new 'Oat Milling Centre of Excellence' (Supplied).

The Royal guest heard about the history of Mornflake which is Britain's fourth oldest family-owned company, spanning 15 generations of the Lea family starting with William Lea who began milling oats in Swettenham in 1675.

Her Royal Highness, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE, was greeted by Mr John Lea and his sons, James and Edward and their children.

Managing director, James Lea, said: "This is a very special year for us, celebrating 350 years of the family milling business.

"We've marked it in many ways from donations to community organisations to planting trees and a big party for staff, family and friends at Crewe Alexandra FC.

"The visit from HRH The Princess Royal was of course the icing on the cake. She was genuinely interested in what we do and our passion for delivering a quality breakfast to millions of people worldwide."

Mornflake Oats played host to Princess Anne, who arrived by helicopter and police escort, as it celebrates 350 years of milling and a new state-of-the-art facility (Supplied).

Mornflake is Crewe's oldest employer with a workforce of more than 300, including many long-serving employees and family members who have joined the business in different roles.

A few years ago it underwent a rebrand hailing Crewe home to 'Mornflake Mighty Oats' and opened up an Innovation Centre where the ingredients for tasty new lines are blended.

James added: "Innovation is key and we strive to bring new flavours and textures to cereal-lovers who appreciate our unstinting dedication to quality and remain loyal to the brand.

"Our heritage means a lot but likewise it's important to move with the times and really focus on the future. Our new Oat Milling Centre of Excellence will strengthen our green credentials and provide a platform for innovation."

The Princess was presented with posies by the Lea family grandchildren before being taken by helicopter to Mornflake's sister company, animal feed specialists HJ Lea Oakes in Malpas.

Mornflake Oats Operations Director, David Baxter, with Anne, the Princess Royal (Supplied).

There, the keen horsewoman, heard about the processes involved in making horse feed, sold under the brand name Dodson and Horrell, and unveiled a plaque officially opening a new Equine Centre of Excellence.

HJ Lea Oakes, also celebrating 350 years, works closely with Mornflake to ensure nothing gets wasted.

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