Janice Bader, aged 56, who was originally from Sneyd Green but now lives in Nice, France, said: "It's been amazing seeing everybody again. We were like a big family at Wedgwood, and we were also very proud of the history of the company. Coming from Stoke-on-Trent myself, I was especially proud."

Amanda Pyatt, aged 58, who was originally from Wolstanton, and now lives in Cambridge, said: "At Wedgwood's London office we were the ambassadors for the company. We were all very passionate about the company and its products, and we still are very proud."

Richard Ware, aged 60, of Nantwich Road, Audley, said: "It is a bit sad that we're all coming together at a time when the future of Wedgwood is in doubt.

"But we are like a family. When I was working in the London office we worked hard, but we played hard as well."