A specialist Haworth weaving firm has won a contract to manufacture 30,000 metres -- more than 18 miles -- of ribbon for the Queen's golden jubilee medal, which will be issued to 180,000 servicemen and women next year.

The order from the Ministry of Defence is the largest single medal ribbon contract ever gained by Wyedean Weaving Co, which also made ribbons for the silver jubilee medal in 1977.

The latest award celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Queen's succession to the throne in 1952, following the death of her father King George VI.

Wyedean managing director Robin Wright said: "We are delighted with the contract, which is worth around £15,000. It will probably double eventually, when replacements and other spin-offs are taken into account."

The company, which can trace its roots back to 1850, specialises in braid and uniform accoutrements for police and armed forces around the world. Many of its customers include countries which were part of the old British Empire, ex-colonies and dominions which still follow the British traditions.

Around 40 per cent of its production is for the MoD. In the past Wyedean has supplied ribbons for the Victoria Cross, long service medals and campaign medals, including more recently the South Atlantic, Bosnia, Kosovo and Yugoslavia.

"The latest contract is a nice change because it has nothing to do with a war," said Mr Wright.

Corinne Metcalfe, who runs the weaving department at Wyedean, said: "It is a great achievement for the company.

"We had to tender against competitors to win the contract, and are working to a tight deadline to complete it."