Scalextric and model train maker Hornby has said it regrets not making a “Brexit themed model” as it cautioned over potential no-deal supply disruption ahead of Christmas.

Scalextric and model train maker Hornby has said it regrets not making a “Brexit-themed model” as it cautioned over potential no-deal supply disruption ahead of Christmas.

The toy firm said its “new grasp” of social media has shown how passionate customers are about sharing their views on Brexit.

It said: “We regret not producing a Brexit-themed model.”

“If the situation persists, we have plans for a locomotive that reliably gets stuck between stations,” it added.

We started our Brexit preparations last year and we will do all we can to ensure our customers get what they want; on time and in fullHornby

But on a more serious note, the group said it was “mindful” of the potential for chaos at ports if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal – just before the crucial Christmas trading season.

The group’s comments came as it said sales and profit margins rose year-on-year in the four months to August 31.

But it stressed the full-year out-turn is dependent on the sales rate over the festive period.

Hornby said: “Timing is everything when it comes to Christmas.”

“We started our Brexit preparations last year and we will do all we can to ensure our customers get what they want; on time and in full,” it said.

Shares lifted 4% after the update.

The company warned earlier this year there were “major concerns” over a no-deal Brexit, and the impact it would have on imports of products from factories in the Far East, and on exports to worldwide markets.

In June, the group reported a near-halving of annual losses from £10.1 million to £5.2 million, although sales fell from £35.7 million to £32.8

million in the year to March 31, as it cut back on promotional discounts.

PA