A ROYAL is set to visit a long-established South Lakeland company next month.

HRH The Countess of Wessex will be visiting John Farrer & Co - the United Kingdom's oldest coffee roaster - to mark the company's 200th anniversary.

The visit to the company's modern roastery on the Shap Road Industrial Estate will take place on February 6.

During her visit, The Countess will meet members of staff and senior management, take a tour of the site, begin the production of a special 200th anniversary coffee blend and unveil a commemorative plaque.

Farrer’s is an award-winning coffee and tea merchants that has established an impressive reputation over two centuries. It is planning a programme of events to mark its 200th anniversary throughout 2019.