A MAN who set up a business in memory of a child with Downs Syndrome, whom he and his wife were about to adopt, has been honoured by the Queen.

Barrie and Sue Evason, of Marton-cum-Grafton, near Boroughbridge, lost Jenny Ruth when she was ten months old.

Her death sparked the creation of a craft workshop to provide employment for people with Downs Syndrome and, years later, Jennyruth Workshop is flourishing.

Next Monday, Mr Evason will meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a Buckingham Palace reception to honour pioneers who have made a contribution to "the life of the nation."

Mr Evason, 64, said he was shocked when the royal invitation dropped through the letterbox.

He said: "I don't even know who told them about us, although I have tried desperately to find out.

"I regard it as a tribute to the charity, my wife and all those who have helped me along the way, and many people have done that."

The company, which has just moved its headquarters from the couple's home to a refitted former helicopter base at Bridge Hewick, near Ripon, makes traditional animated Victorian-style toys and craft goods from wood.

It grew out of Mr Evason's love of craftwork and his quest to find employment for his natural son Jonathan, 39.

While father and son were making toys for family presents, Mr Evason decided the idea had the potential to grow into a business offering employment to other Downs Syndrome sufferers.

All four of the couple's adopted children - Ben, Rebekah, Matthew and Beth - are employed by the firm.

Financial support from friends, charities and grant schemes has helped the business expand and buy new machinery.