The Italian fashion giant Benetton has teamed up with the British wallpaper producer Vymura for its first move into wallcoverings.

Vymura will produce a range of 50 to 60 wallpapers and borders for children and teenagers for Benetton.

Benetton's Italian designers will create the patterns with Vymura producing the end product in its factory in Hyde, Manchester.

Vymura first approached Benetton about the deal 18 months ago. Vymura said the deal would be worth £10m in the next five years.

"We are bringing a real Italian angle to the wallcoverings," said Tom Smail, chief executive of Vymura.

"The designs will be strong pastels and a vibrant colour pallet looking at the Benetton clothes range."

The wallpaper will be sold in the UK for the first six months after their January launch. The range will then be extended to the continent.

Vymura will not be recruiting more staff to cope with the extra production levels.

The company already produces licensed wallpaper products with themes from Walt Disney and Warner Brothers and games company Mattell.

Vymura produces paper for fashion designer Jeff Banks and ceramics firm Royal Doulton.

It sells around £40 million of licensed wallpaper a year.

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