Researchers from Maribor University in Slovenia found that Deeside Water, bottled from the Pannanich Wells near Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells 62.5 per cent faster than lab-grade water with no ill effects on normal cells.

Its ability to kill cancer cells was also measured. It was found to eliminate 35 per cent of liver cancer cells, 21 per cent of cervical cancer cells and 6.5 per cent of skin cancer cells, they said.

There was a positive effect on the growth of normal cells.

Martin Simpson, managing director of Desside Mineral Water, said that the water had been credited with health-giving properties since the 1700s and that the ten-person family company sought independent researchers to prove the claims clinically.

"We send them the water and that's it," he said. "We have no influence, it's all done to recognised standards and procedures."

He puts the water's properties down to "natural characteristics in its chemistry."

The company, established by Mr Simpson and his father George in 1996, exports its 99p 2 litre bottles to Japan, Luxembourg and other European destinations but sells the bulk of them to British supermarkets.

Mr Simpson said that he expected interest in the company and sales to rise following the release of the research findings but had no projected sales figure.

"When we get press coverage there is always an increase in sales. People read about it, they're interested, they try the water, they feel better, they stick with it," he said.

Asked if the water was the late Queen Mother's secret to longevity, Mr Simpson politely replied that the company, which turns over a modest £700,000 a year, had supplied her former nearby home Birkhall, and continued to supply the royal household.

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