Survival company's Queen's award

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Blizzard Protection Systems, based in Bethesda has won the Queen's Award for Innovation

Blizzard proof sleeping bags, blankets and jackets made by a firm from a specially invented material have been recognised by the Queen.

The firm, Blizzard Protection Systems, has been given a Queen's award for its mountain survival products.

Its company founder Derek Ryden invented the material used in its products which are supplied to the military and rescue teams worldwide.

The firm in Bethesda, Gwynedd employs around 50 people.

Blizzard Survival products are made from the company's trademarked Reflexcell material, which is an ultra-lightweight thermal fabric.

Customers include the US and Australian military, RAF mountain rescue, Swiss Air Ambulance and outdoor sports people.

Company-founder and inventor Derek Ryden said the award was a celebration of the work of the whole team.

"We are tremendously proud to have created a world-beating set of products, which we developed in Snowdonia and continue to manufacture here," he said.

He praised the hard work of the staff and the "excellent support we continue to enjoy from the local community and authorities".

His Honour Judge Gruffydd Huw Morgan Daniel, Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd will present the award to the company at Bethesda at 1330 BST on Tuesday.