Dorset jewellers shortlisted for royal wedding rings

Mr and Mr Strudwick set up their Dorchester business four months ago

A Dorset jewellers has been shortlisted to design the royal wedding rings for the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Last November, husband and wife Neil and Donna Strudwick, who own Goldcrest Jewellers, sent a letter to St James's Palace offering their services.

The couple have now received a letter from the prince's office confirming they are being considered.

Goldsmith Neil said: "To actually get this far is jaw-dropping."

The 39-year-old told BBC News: "We saw the engagement announced and then decided to put forward our application. It was purely speculative.

"I didn't hear anything so I got in touch with the palace and they said they had sifted through the applicants and ours had been put forward with the rest of them to Lord Chamberlain's office for further consideration."

The couple set up their business in Dorchester four months ago.

Mrs Strudwick said: "We are keeping our fingers crossed. It's the worst wait we have ever had but if all goes well we will be really pleased and honoured to do it."

Mr Strudwick, who has been a goldsmith for more than 20 years, added: "I have never done anything this big before so once it sunk in what we were actually on the verge of doing, it was mind-blowing."

Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29 April.