A Leicester Mercury campaign to support the area’s ailing textile industry has won the backing of Princess Anne.

Fashioned in Leicestershire is a major drive to highlight success stories of local companies against a background of dwindling orders and closing factories.

Despite tens of thousands of job cuts, 15,000 people still earn their livelihoods at textile companies in the county and the Mercury believes the industry still has a pivotal role to play.

As the industry moves from mass production to niche markets, quality design and advanced fabrics, the paper is working with the East Midlands Development Agency, employers’ and workers’ federations and local business leaders to raise awareness of good practice and encourage new companies to greater success.

Trade and Industry Minister and local MP Patricia Hewitt has already given her support and now the Princess Royal, through her links with the British fashion industry, has given her backing with a letter to the Mercury.

In a personally-signed letter from Buckingham Palace, she wrote: “I hope the Fashioned in Leicestershire campaign will raise the profile and understanding of what is still a very important sector to many communities, and I wish it every success.”

The campaign will run into the summer and plans are already being made to take over a city centre shop to showcase local manufacturers.

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