'Gift to Trump showcases Stoke-on-Trent'

Susan Rose China in Longton was asked to create a personalised gift for Donald Trump's state visit

Gifts handmade for Donald Trump by a small company in Stoke-on-Trent "highlights the importance of buying British" and the work going on in the city, the owner of the business has said.

Susan Rose, who runs Susan Rose China in Longton, has a contract with Chequers, the prime minister's country residence, and was asked to make a personalised gift for President Trump to mark his recent state visit to the UK.

These included special mugs personalised for the president as well as baubles with an illustration of Chequers on them.

Ms Rose said: "I hand delivered it. [The team at Chequers] loved it. They thanked me and they're lovely to work for and very keen to support British manufacturing."

The artist and business owner said her company had worked with Downing Street and produced mugs for them, leading to producing corporate gifts for Chequers, such as the baubles.

"They said they would like to give a gift to President Trump so they suggested we used my standard mug and asked me to personalise it," Ms Rose said.

"Andy who runs my workshop is an incredibly gifted decorator and we came up with an idea how to decorate the mug with lots of gold - we sent it to Chequers and they loved it."

Donald Trump received some Chequers baubles designed by Susan Rose, as well as a personalised mug

Ms Rose's business specialises in English bone china gifts including mugs and dishes.

Speaking of the importance of her business relationship with Chequers, Ms Rose said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic, because it highlights the importance of buying British and the workmanship and craftmanship that goes on in Stoke.

"More people need to understand that Stoke is the most incredible place - the china that they make is outstanding and people need to think about buying British products - that's giving jobs to people in Stoke.

"That craftmanship has been passed down from generation to generation and we cannot afford to lose it."