THE Queen was unveiling a giant `apple' at Britain's greenest business centre during her visit to Huddersfield today.

The 3.8-metre diameter Apple shelter sculpture, made by Handspring Designs of Sheffield, had already been chosen to grace the courtyard of the new Media Centre building.

But its creators, Scot Fletcher and Graeme Ritchie, had no idea until last month that the building was to be opened by The Queen, with the unveiling of their sculpture central to the ceremony.

Scot, a director of Handspring, said: "We were absolutely floored when we heard the Queen would actually be unveiling it. It's a huge honour and we're wildly excited about it.

"It's certainly the biggest thing that's ever happened to the company.

"We were already thrilled when it was chosen as the artistic focus for the Media Centre as it's a perfect home for it in many ways."

The Apple was chosen for the new building not just for its unique design but for its eco-credentials and for the inspiration it will give to the many creative businesses based there.

The Media Centre boasts a revolutionary environmentally-friendly heating/cooling system. It will house hundreds of jobs in the creative businesses as part of Huddersfield's successful creative cluster.

The Apple was made using the timber from just one oak tree and used a steam-bending and lamination process which eradicates waste.

The company describes itself as an eco-builder and timber sculpture specialist and operates to a strong environmental and social agenda.

It uses local craftspeople, natural materials and, where possible, incorporates renewable energy.

The Apple has already been on display in Kew Gardens in London and in Sheffield's Winter Gardens. It was dismantled into 50 pieces in order to be transported flat-packed to Huddersfield

Scot added: "We were already proud of it but now, even more so.

"It's good enough to grace any royal garden, so perhaps the Queen will put an order in!"

The building has been paid for by Kirklees Council with supporting cash development agency Yorkshire Forward and the European Union.