Potter Wade Ceramics is aiming to cash in on the wave of patriotism in the run up to the World Cup with a trio of British dog figurines.

The Burslem firm's North Light arm has unveiled models of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier and Bulldog hand-painted in the red and white colours of the George Cross.

The company, which employs 200 people in Market Place, Burslem, is also preparing a limited-edition range of figurines of cartoon icon Betty Boop for next month's football tournament in Germany.

Managing director Paul Farmer said it was Wade's first entry into sporting commemoratives, and came on the back of a successful trial of the dogs at Crufts.

Mr Farmer said: "It was a bit of a laugh really. We'd come up with the dogs in the red and white, and decided to take them to Crufts just to see the reaction.

"We didn't know what to expect and ended up selling everything, including the masters.

"Since then we've had a lot of requests and decided to see what happens."

The resin figures have been created by the sculptors at North Light and are hand-painted.

The company's main division is also making a limited edition range of figures of Betty Boop - which it produces under license - although finished products are still being prepared.

Mr Farmer said the decision to cast the dog figures in resin allowed the company, which has a turnover of around £10 million, to better react to market demand.

He said: "It only takes two days to go from start to finish whereas you're looking at a lead time of eight to 12 weeks for something in china. It means we are in a better position to react and don't have to have stocks ready and waiting for demand.

"There could be demand for figures up to the start of the world cup, but if they go all the way then we could see people wanting to buy figures right up until Christmas."

The figures from North Light are the latest fruits since it was snapped up by Wade Ceramics last year.

Sentinel Business reported how the renowned figure maker - which was founded by designer Guy Pocock in 1978 - was rescued from receivership and added a new line to the products of Wade, which is best known for its decanters and Whimsies.

North Light has supplied figurines to The Queen, The Princess Royal and HRH The Prince of Wales, as well former Beatle Paul MacCartney.