Heather McCartney - his stepdaughter by late wife Linda - unveiled her own range of housewares at a trade fair in Atlanta, Georgia.

While half-sister Stella has made her name at the Chloe fashion house in Paris, Heather - Linda's daughter by her first husband, Melville See - has established herself as a potter.

Linda McCartney: Died after battling aganst breast cancer

The Heather McCartney Housewares Collection includes items for the kitchen and bathroom, as well as cushions, candles, cutlery, clocks and rugs.

They are inspired by the art of ancient Mexican civilisations, and Heather spent time with the Huichol and Tarahuma tribes to learn about their customs and designs.

She said: "The Huichols have greatly influenced my work. When I first met them some years ago they introduced me to many things, including the bold use of colour which is evident in my new designs.

"The Huichols allowed me into the centre of their circle and revealed to me ceremonies that originated thousands of years ago.

Stella McCartney: A hit on the fashion scene

"Drawing on this experience and launching my designs at this, the dawn of the third millennium, I aim to synergise the ancient and modern in this collection."

She said her mother had been an influence on her work and paid tribute to Sir Paul, saying: "As a father, he's most important to me to help me deal with everything we're dealing with.

"It's obviously been a very difficult time for us this past year, but you know we're drawing on the energies, and we're moving forward."

Sir Paul added: "It's what Linda would have wanted. I know that."

She launched her range at AmericasMart, the world's biggest trade fair for gifts and home furnishings. Her designs are part of a Department of Trade and Industry campaign to promote British products abroad.

Sir Paul has only appeared in public occasionally since Linda died from cancer in April 1998, although he did take part in an Internet broadcast last month.