Three Kent firms have won prestigious Queen's Awards for Enterprise - recognising innovation and achievement in the county's business scene.

Westerham shower designer Aqualisa, which employs 284, and Staplehurst calibration instruments firm Transmille, employing nine, won awards in the innovation category.

Rochester bomb clearance business Bactec International, which employs 67 in the county, was named in the international trade category.

The awards, announced yearly on the Queen's real birthday, recognised 150 businesses and individuals nationwide. Some 27 were awarded in the south east.

Aqualisa, founded 30 years ago, won its innovation award for its design of modern electronically controlled, or digital, showers. Scheme organisers said: "Compared with showers controlled by mechanical valves, the new products provide more accurate temperature control of water and are easier and quicker to install."

Harry Rawlinson, managing director of the firm, which has a turnover of £40m, said: "The award is the culmination of over a decade's research and investment, backed by our fervent belief that digital technology is the future of the bathroom. We are so proud that Aqualisa's commitment to innovation has been recognised at such a high level.

"It is a real triumph for everyone at Aqualisa who has supported our 'digital revolution' over the last 10 years."

Transmille was awarded for the development of instruments, including one for electricians to verify their own equipment against wiring regulations. Managing director is James Bailey.

Bactec, an explosive ordnance disposal and land mine clearance firm founded in 1991, won its international trade award after a five fold increase in overseas income to £11m over three years. Scheme organisers said the increase was an "outstanding achievement".

Managing director Guy Lucas, MBE, said: "The threat from land mines and unexploded ordnance is potentially devastating, causing death and serious injury to population and livestock and preventing agriculture and infrastructure development.

"The recognition of our role that this prestigious award confers is shared equally between those in our offices in Rochester, Kent, in Australia, Cambodia, Laos, Lebanon, Libya and Mozambique, as well as those in the field, whose invaluable skills save lives and make a significant contribution to BACTEC’s overseas earnings."

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will be giving an evening Reception at Buckingham Palace for representatives of each winning organisation.