NATIONAL PRIDE: The Potteries firm which relaunched the iconic Teasmade has launched two new 'best of British' products – that are manufactured abroad.

Fenton-based Swan Products has come up with a new Union Jack-themed toaster and kettle to capitalise on events such as the London Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

But as the packaging admits, the products are made abroad.

Marketing manager David Foulstone said: "All the design and packaging is done here but as we've put on the boxes, it's the best of British design but made in China.

"We've got a Spitfire on the packaging because we wanted something related to Stoke-on-Trent, not just London-based images which is often the case with these retro-type products."

In 2009 Swan relaunched the Teasmade, the quintessentially British device which combines a kettle with an alarm clock.

David said: "The Teasmade is still doing great, and we're looking to launch another version later this year to freshen it up."

Swan turned over £8 million last year and is on track to increase that to £10 million this year. Sentinel Business reported last June that the firm had won a licensing deal for the hit reality TV show Come Dine With Me.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment, which produces the show for Channel 4, signed it up to create a range of themed items including a chocolate fountain and a waffle machine.

David said: "The Come Dine With Me range is in John Lewis and it's about to go into Debenhams and very.co.uk – it's been really well-received."