Model maker Hornby has signed a potentially lucrative deal with the film studio behind Harry Potter and DC superheroes like Batman and Superman.

The Sandwich-headquartered firm has penned a licensing agreement with Warner Bros Consumer Products, which will see them produce a range of big-name franchise products.

These will include a variety of items from the Harry Potter series and DC superheroes franchises.

Hornby, which has warehouse operations in Hersden, near Canterbury, will produce model railway and slot car sets, together with die-cast vehicles under its Hornby Railways, Scalextric and Corgi brands.

The first products to be released under this partnership will be on display at the London Toy Fair in January 2019 and at all of the Hornby Hobbies previews.

Hornby Hobbies chief executive Lyndon Davies, said: "Having access to these perennially popular franchises will provide Hornby with the opportunity to apply our ability in developing and delivering a desirable range of products that will appeal to fans of the many Warner Bros characters and DC superheroes."

The company, which has struggled in recent years, retains its popular visitor centre in its former home town of Margate.