Tollesbury based kiln manufacturer Essex Kilns Ltd has formed a new division producing personalised promotional ceramics and glassware.

Souvenir pottery and glassware will be available featuring town names, maps and various transfers which are all kiln fired.

Essex Kilns has been trading since 1991 in the riverside village of Tollesbury where they manufacture furnaces and kilns for schools, colleges and industry.

Managing Director John Phillips feels the hand of fate played a part in his expansion plans. A company called Phillips Pottery approached him with a business for sale putting transfers onto promotional ceramic and glassware. Having previously considered this as a business activity John could not resist a company with that name.

John, who lives in Rayleigh, said "I had to the buy the company then. We have a good customer base with schools and I wanted to expand that market. We hope to sell to them at Christmas and in the summertime. Companies can also promote themselves onto mugs and glassware."