An international photocopier dealer says it is "immensely proud" to have received a major national award.

Trade Copiers, in Penrith, has been given the Queen's Award for Enterprise in recognition of its short term growth in international trade.

The company, which was started by Stephen Armistead in 2002, is one of Europe’s leading brokers of used photocopiers, printers and other devices.

It refurbishes used equipment and exports it across the world.

In the last three years the company's overseas sales grew by 96 per cent and now make up 65 per cent of all sales, with its top markets being the United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong, Egypt and Malaysia.

The business began with one van and 100 sq ft premises and now has six HGVs and three commercial vans with 6000 sqm of warehouse and distribution space.

Annual turnover is £8m.

"We are absolutely delighted at the recognition," said Stephen.

"We feel immensely proud to be recognised as one of our area's top export companies and have a great local Cumbrian team."

He said that at present all 44 of its staff were on furlough and it had closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"We have obviously informed all our customers that we are closed and we are in a very, very strong position and we will have to see it through," he said.

He said it was not possible for the business to operate and adhere to social distancing rules.

"It's not even worth us trying to operate," he said.

"But I am staying pretty positive."

Meanwhile, campsite the Quiet Site has also been recognised in the awards.

The site, at Watermillock, near Ullswater, was given an award in recognition of its work in sustainable development.

In the last 15 years it has invested £2m in sustainable technology, which has included water and waste recycling, solar PV and thermal panels and biomass heating.

It has also built 15 underground holiday ‘Hobbit Holes’ for accommodation, which are highly insulated and energy efficient, and eliminated single use plastic entirely from the business.

Carlisle's Clark Door and Kendal Nutricare have also been named as Queen's Award winners.