A HELMSLEY businesswoman has received her MBE for services to rural business.

Emma Woods, owner of Duncombe Sawmill, was presented with her award by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace last week.

Emma was accompanied by her husband William, their two daughters Milly and Isabelle, and her parents Nigel and Jackie Packer.

The visit to Buckingham Palace marks a full circle for Emma in her career, which saw her start out studying antiques at Leeds University, before moving to London to inventory the Queen’s silver at the Royal Collection.

However, it is Emma’s more recent career path which has earned her the honour of an MBE.

In 2003, as a customer of Duncombe Sawmill, she received a letter saying the 100-year old Helmsley-based business was closing.

With no previous industry experience, Emma took it over and has spent 13 years creating a niche timber business.

Emma, 48, said: “It was such an amazing experience to be at Buckingham Palace and to be given the award by Princess Anne. It was quite a trip down memory lane given my early career saw me cataloguing the Queen’s silver.

"I’m so glad my family could be there as obviously they’ve played a huge part in everything that has happened in the last decade. I just wish the wonderful team at the sawmill could have come along too. They have taught me so much and been instrumental in me receiving the award. I have also had wonderful support from the community in Helmsley, it’s a fantastic place to be based and the Helmsley in Business group has achieved so much in the last four years, which is great for all local enterprises."