A COMPANY near Southampton that develops and makes number-plate recognition systems has been given royal recognition of its own.

PIPS Technology, which employs 27 people locally, received the UK's leading accolade for business innovation - the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The £7m sales company has 6,000 of its Spike cameras deployed across the world. Customers include the police, government and local authorities.

Uses include parking and revenue control, site security and law enforcement.

PIPS boss Paul Negus, based at School Lane, Chandler's Ford, said: "We are proud to receive this award, which is recognition of the contribution of both staff and management to the innovation and development of a unique and original product."

Almost 5,000 awards have been bestowed since the scheme was launched 40 years ago.

They were made by the Queen on the advice of Tony Blair, who is assisted by an advisory committee.

One other local firm also picked up an enterprise award, in the sustainable development category.

Country Lanes, employing three people and based at Fordingbridge, on the north-west edge of the New Forest, provides cycling day trips and tours. Representatives from PIPS and Country Lanes will attend a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in July.