Ahoy, as ship comes in for tankard-makers

For the swashbuckling epic starring Johnny Depp features a number of leather tankards made in County Durham.

Some of the seafarers in Pirates of the Carribean can be seen swigging wine and ale from vessels made by Gillian Sewell and Stephen Roberts, at Bowes, near Barnard Castle.

The partners were delighted when details they have put on their website led to them receiving an order from Disney producers who were making the movie in the US.

They sent nine bombards, which are bulky jugs that hold four pints, along with more than 80 other smaller tankards, goblets and drinking horns, by special carrier to Los Angeles.

Mr Roberts said yesterday: "As soon as the film comes to this part of the world we will go to see it, so that we can look out for the items we made. And when the video comes out we will buy several copies.

"We have had a lot of larger orders in the past, mainly from tourist attractions and leading shops, but it is really exciting to have our work featured in a film like this."

Mr Roberts, a former engineer, launched the business nine years ago with Mrs Sewell, who used to be deputy headteacher at Cotherstone Primary School, near Barnard Castle. Their tankards are based on authentic historic designs. Some are copies of items once owned by Charles II.

Mr Roberts said: "We borrowed the originals from the Leather Sellers Guild, then took photographs and measurements, so that our products would look exactly like those used by the king.

"We took details of other items from genuine historical documents, so we know they are authentic."

Their tankards have been seen in several television productions, including a major drama called Longtitude. They are made from British cow hide and are usually sold at rural shows and fairs, as well as in shops.

Mrs Sewell said: "The film order seemed like any other job at first, but there is quite a buzz when you pack your goods and address them to Disney, in Hollywood."