THE Queen's Diamond Jubilee has helped fuel a surge of interest in UK-made products, according to manufacturers.

Ceramics firms from the region were out in force at the Spring Fair at Birmingham's NEC, which came to an end yesterday.

All reported positive responses and orders, with many saying that overseas retailers in particular had been seeking out products made in England.

Longton's Aynsley China sold all 60 of its limited edition Diamond Jubilee ware. National sales manager Jill Daniels said: "We've been very pleased, we've had good support from customers and good responses to the products.

"I don't know if it's in vogue at the moment, but for the last two or three years we've had more and more people looking for things made in England, particularly export customers."

Robert Townsend , head of trade sales at Moorcroft in Burslem, which has just enjoyed its best start to a year for five years, said: "We've been absolutely thrilled with the reactions we've had.

"There has been more export business than usual, which the organisers have been trying to push.

"We've certainly had more enquiries from places like Russia, Spain, Hong Kong and China, and the fact that the products are made in England is increasingly making a difference.

"Retailers from all over the world are looking for things made here which is exciting. We've had our stand completely redesigned this year and the biggest logo says Made in England, which shows how important it is."

Mr Townsend said he believes the orders that will come in as a result of the fair will help boost an already positive start to the year for Moorcroft.

He said: "What we're particularly pleased with is that we've had £1 million of orders in January which is great."

WWRD, the owner of Barlaston giants Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, was using the show to relaunch its Royal Albert products, which are made abroad.

UK key accounts manager Mary Adams said: "We've focused on Royal Doulton and the relaunch of Royal Albert; the inspiration for the Royal Albert has been taken from the archives. Then of course we've got the Wedgwood products for the Diamond Jubilee and also a Queen figurine."

A spokesman for Stoke-based Portmeirion said: "It's been absolutely brilliant. I don't think the show in general has been as busy as last year, but our stand has seen continuous footfall, and orders are well up on last year.

"It's the 40th anniversary of our Botanic Garden range this year so we've launched a new flower, and of course we've got products for the Diamond Jubilee which are selling out fast."

Jonathan Thornhill, sales manager at Sandyford manufacturer Churchill China, said: "It's been a very good show, better than last year. Some of our new licences such as Julie Dodsworth and Belle & Boo have done very well for us and the Queen's range has been very strong for the Diamond Jubilee. We've had interest from Europe, Japan, Korea, the U.S. and Australia."

Andy Mayell, national sales manager at Derbyshire-based Denby, which owns Burgess, Dorling & Leigh in Middleport, was showcasing a dresser groaning with Burleigh ware complete with pictures of Prince Charles visiting its Grade II-listed factory in Middleport last year.

He said: "Burleigh is a key driver for us; people like that it's made in England like a lot of our products. Sales are up year on year, and I think having Denby as a brand behind it helps."

Longton-based Buttercup China won a 'most innovative stand' award from organisers for its display at the fair. The business, which was showcasing kitchenware licensed from Betley designer Jan Constantine, is currently looking for bigger premises to accommodate its growth.

Director Chris Eardley added: "When you give people your business card and they see we're based in Stoke-on-Trent it definitely makes a difference."

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