star Lewis Hamilton to drive sales.
The group has negotiated a licence with BBC Worldwide to produce a range of
Airfix models based on Dr Who, which should hit shop shelves for Christmas.
A further deal with the McLaren Formula One team will allow it to issue a
range of Lewis Hamilton Scalextric cars.
Kent-based Hornby also aims to cash in on the current Transformer craze,
with a range of products based on the film.
Shares in the company jumped on the news, rising 24.25 pence, or 11%, to
250.25p on the London market in afternoon trade.
Timely move?
The decision to produce a range of Dr Who goods just in time for Christmas
could prove to be a money-spinner.
Last year, Character Group's Cyberman voice changing helmet was touted as
one of the biggest sellers during Christmas 2006.
In a trading update to coincide with its annual general meeting, Hornby -
famous for its range of model train sets - said it had made a "solid" start
to the year.
"Forward orders are much stronger than the equivalent position last year,"
said chairman Neil Johnson in a statement.
"With a strong pipeline of new product launches, we are very well placed to
continue to drive both sales and profit growth."
Story from BBC NEWS:
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Published: 2007/07/26 14:02:10 GMT