In pictures: Toy story

For most of Hornby’s 80-year history, it produced its toys at its own premises. But as boxes in the company’s warehouse reveal, the toys are now made in China.

The shift began in 1995, amid predictions of the company’s demise. Four hundred local jobs were lost; 120 UK staff remain.

“It was very sad, for everybody,” says product development manager Martin Ridge. “But it was clear that if we didn’t change the company might disappear altogether.”