Wade Ceramics is to continue with its successful range of ceramic Tea Folk merchandise for Tetley Tea, despite recent reports that characters are being removed from packs in favour of a more modern, health based image.

Marketing director at Wade, Martin Cook, commented "The Tetley figures have a loyal following with our collector base and many have collected them since the first two cup teapot back in 1989. We often receive calls from fans eager to find out more about the exciting new products being planned."

Nigel Holland, marketing and development director at Tetley Tea confirmed: "We would like to reassure Tea Folk collectors that we have no plans to discontinue our ceramic characters. Although the pictures will be removed from packs they will remain very much a part of the Tetley merchandise range."