A Ceramics firm is backing a fund-raising appeal to erect a £30,000 statue to Port Vale legend Roy Sproson. Burslem-based Wade Ceramics has created 600 limited edition tankards to boost The Sproson Fund.

Wade joined the appeal after its personnel officer, Marie Evans, and her boyfriend Tom Wilkes suggested the distinctive tankard would make the perfect follow-up to the special Burslem Legend brew, produced by Burslem's Titanic Brewery and sold in the Bull's Head pub in the town.

The bronze statue, to be modelled by Ipstones sculptor Michael Talbot, will depict Sproson heading a ball and, when complete, will take pride of place at Vale Park.

The fund currently stands at about £5,000.

Wade managing director Paul Farmer, a lifelong Vale fan, said: "We are delighted to get involved with the appeal. A commemorative tankard seemed like the perfect way to toast Roy's contribution to football."

The tankards cost £6 and are available from the Port Vale club shop and online at www.sprosonfund.com.