Burslem-based Wade Ceramics is helping to fire the fundraising efforts of The Sproson Fund with 600 limited edition ceramic tankards.

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

Supported by Port Vale Football Club, proceeds from the sale of the Wade tankards will go towards the creation of a giant bronze statue to celebrate the career of the Burslem club's greatest ever player, Roy Sproson.

The £30,000 sculpture depicting Sproson heading a ball will be modelled by Ipstones based sculptor Michael Talbot and is expected to be the best of its kind in the UK. Once complete it will be suspended from the grandstand at Port Vale.

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

John Simmonds of The Sproson Fund, commented: "The generous support of Vale fans and local businesses has already helped us net £5,000 towards our goal. We'd like to thank everyone who has contributed and Port Vale's chairman Bill Bratt and the board of directors for their support throughout."

Port Vale's longest serving player, Roy Sproson played more than 837 games for his club from his debut in 1950 until 1972. Football remained his passion and he became a coach, then manager of the club until 1977. Sadly, Roy passed away in 1997.

Designed and produced by Wade at its Burslem factory and head office, all tankards will come with an authenticating certificate and are available priced at £6 from the Port Vale club shop and online at www.sprosonfund.com.