THE Wright Brothers' first powered flight a century ago has inspired a North-East company to lead a marketing and export drive.

Ultimate Collection has made metallic model airplanes for corporate clients such as Vickers Defence and Renault.

The firm already exports 70 per cent of its products and is now seeking to expand its customer base to the worldwide public.

Stephen Widdows, managing director of Ultimate Collection, said: "We believe there is a potentially huge market worldwide as well as our existing corporate customer."

The firm's marketing manager Brian Walker is coordinating the export drive.

Representatives from Ultimate Collection plan to exhibit their wares at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and at air shows in Paris and Gloucester to attract international buyers.

Ultimate employs 40 people and recently moved into a purpose-built factory at Consett Business Park.

Its manufacturing arm DJH Engineering, part of the Durham-based Ness Group, produces some of the leading global brands of models.

In the past, it has produced a series of historical post boxes for the Post Office. The company also produces tiepins, cufflinks, brooches and necklaces.