A COUPLE from Kearsley are throwing British craftsmen a lifeline across the Atlantic - with a little help from Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson.

Peter Witts and his wife and business partner Alison have formed Unique British Gifts, an enterprise that aims to exploit opportunities within the US gift market.

The pair have assembled a range of hand-made British products to sell to American collectors, including a limited edition pen commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Their company, based in Warrington, promotes work by artists and craftspeople from across the UK.

Mr Witts said: "It is vital that Unique British Gifts opens up new markets overseas, before what remains of the British craft industry disappears for good.

"Over the past five years there has been a marked decline in sales of unique British gifts and crafts.

"Artists will tell you every year gets more difficult. They are swimming against the tide and increasing numbers are going under."

The company will use the internet to champion small-scale specialist producers abroad.

The couple researched and visited each producer to assess their skills and the quality of their gifts.

The "1805" souvenir Trafalgar pen has been crafted using the genuine oak timbers and copper from Nelsons flagship HMS Victory.

Mr Witts praised the support of Business Link advisers who specialise in overseas export.

He said: "Business Link has been brilliant. They have been with us every step of the way."