A Ceramic manufacturer has been charged with passing off fake Clarice Cliff pottery as authentic items. Norman Williams, who runs Longton-based DNW Ceramics, has been charged with illegally backstamping pottery with the Clarice Cliff mark and possessing Wade and Carlton Ware figurines with false trademarks.

The 62-year-old, of Upper Normacot Road, Normacot, did not attend yesterday's hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court and the case was adjourned until October 7.

Robin Litchfield, defending, said: "He (Williams) is not present as he has got to go to the county court."

He indicated that Williams would plead not guilty and would opt for a crown court trial.

Trading standards officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council are prosecuting Williams for six different alleged offences at his company in Wood Street, Longton, on July 30, 2004.

He is accused of trying to distribute two NatWest Wesley Pig figures bearing false trademarks identical to the Wade originals.

He is also charged with possessing a jug, pot and vase with fake Clarice Cliff backstamps without the permission of Wedgwood, as well as possessing bogus Carlton Ware Toucan, Flying Toucan and Ostrich figures.

He was also charged with unlawfully having Draught Guinness transfers at his business address without the consent of Diageo Great Britain Limited, which owns the registered trademark.

The manufacturer is also charged with three further offences including the possession of Clarice Cliff backstamps with intent to label or package fake Clarice Cliff pottery.