Hornby to be strengthened by Bond, Hamilton and Shaun the Sheep

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The Margate-based company said that it saw strong European demand as well as a significant rise in sales. Sales however were still less than expected due to delays in the introduction of new products.

Hornby said that sales for the final quarter of January to March 2008 are expected to be above last years "strong levels".

The company said that the re-launch and development of its acquired Airfix/Humbrol brands was well under way and that its Doctor Who products, produced under licence from the BBC had achieved "widespread critical acclaim".

Hornby said that its planned re-launching of Airfix was likely to boost sales. In addition the company said that it had secured the rights to issue Shaun the Sheep products, as well as acquiring the rights to produce products for the next James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

Hornby said that its Scalextric products based on the Formula 1 McClaren team and star racer Lewis Hamilton were expected to continue boost sales in 2008.

In its Scalextric and Hornby ranges, the company said it expected to see a rise in average prices as consumers move from traditional Scalextric and Hornby products over to the newer digital versions of the hobbies.

Neil Johnson, the Chairman of Hornby, said, "A strong finish to 2007 shows once again that Hornby is extremely resilient in times of economic uncertainty.

He continued, "The acquired Airfix/Humbrol brands are expected to continue to build on the strong growth already achieved, with further significant opportunities to develop this business in new markets over the coming years."