Story by MAGGIE GIBSON A DODDINGTON business which supplies bedding and feed for the Queen s horses at Sandringham has been given the royal seal of approval. Jim and Josie Everitt have joined prestigious names such as Fortnum & Mason and Twinings by holdi

Story by MAGGIE GIBSON

A DODDINGTON business which supplies bedding and feed for the Queen's horses at Sandringham has been given the royal seal of approval.

Jim and Josie Everitt have joined prestigious names such as Fortnum & Mason and Twinings by holding a Royal Warrant.

They now proudly display the royal arms together with the words 'By Appointment' on the gate of their Primrose Hill premises, J Everitt and Son.

Mrs Everitt said: "It is a huge, huge honour to be awarded this and when we got the letter we just both burst into tears."

The couple have been supplying the royal estate for a number of years.

Mrs Everitt said: "We approached them some years ago about particular bedding we had here. We wondered if they would be interested because it was dust free and very good quality. We gave them some complimentary bedding to try.

"We were told they would compare it to what they were using but we didn't hear back from them for some time."

The royal horses obviously liked the bedding because the couple were then given a regular order for the bedding and other products.

They deliver to Sandringham and Mrs Everitt said: "The horses are really beautiful and we are so proud to be recognised in this way."

The couple applied for the Royal Warrant but had to wait many months before hearing from Buckingham Palace.

"I believe that there were only 36 granted last year in England, Scotland and Wales," said Mrs Everitt. "The Queen herself has the final say so you can image how honoured we feel.

"There are so many people applying each year and lots are rejected, some are rejected several times."

The couple are also being allowed to display the Royal Arms and 'by Appointment' on their stationery, vehicles and advertising.