A businessman from Westoning was invited to meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a plush champagne reception at St James's Palace as a reward for his hard work in retail.

Kishor Patel, who lives in Home Farm Way, Westoning, and owns two Nisa Today shops in Houghton Regis, also rubbed shoulders with Sir Philip Green of the Arcadia Group, Stuart Rose from Marks & Spencer and Justin King of Sainsbury's.

Mr Patel, a board member of Skillsmart Retail and the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), was invited to the Retail Trust reception to mark his outstanding commitment to training.

His business, which he owns with his brother Pat, operates as Houghton Trading Ltd and plays an active part in the community, sponsoring several football teams at youth and adult level.

During the visit Prince Philip asked Mr Patel about his links with the Retail Trust, of which the Queen is patron.

Commenting on his day at St James's Palace, Mr Patel said: "It was great to be there and I felt thrilled that we had been recognised for our hard work."

The brothers bought their first shop in Houghton Regis in 1986.

They built up their business at an impressive rate and now have a total of five shops, with three more opening by May.

Mr Patel said there were three main factors which he put down to their success, including good staff, excellent supplies from Nisa and taking an active part in the community.

Chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, James Lowman, said: "Kishor has invested his time in helping the ACS and other groups to develop a credible training offer for the sector.

"Above all, Kishor's excellence as a retailer and passion as an advocate for the convenience sector comes through in all he does.

"He is clearly recognised within our industry as a leading light to whom others aspire."

The Retail Trust is a national retail charity which provides support to people in the retail industry.