HOLMES Chapel company Fanattik is to create collectibles based on one of the most iconic brands in film history after signing a major deal.

Fanattik has signed a European-wide multi-year gift license with Studiocanal S.A.S., which was represented by Creative Licensing Corporation for Rambo - First Blood, Rambo First Blood Part II and Rambo III.

The Rambo films have taken more than 700 million dollars worldwide at the box office, and the fifth film in the series is due for release this autumn.

Fanattik managing director Anthony Marks, from Holmes Chapel, said: “The Rambo films are iconic, with a multi-generational fan base who are looking for collectibles.

“This is a brand we have had our eye on for some time, and we’re really pleased with our Studio Canal license for Rambo - we already work with 20th Century Fox, Paramount Studios and Universal Studios.

“Rambo is one of those iconic films which has multi-generational fan base, and our creative team are looking forward to starting work on designing the collectibles and gifts we hope the UK and European retail trade will be interested in buying.

“The longevity of the Rambo brand can be seen with the announcement of the latest film in the franchise, which will be released this autumn.

“I started in the toy industry, spent almost 15 years working for toy companies developing ideas for new product and got to a stage where I thought I would like to do something on my own – that’s when this company was born.

“I love retro films and video games, so it was these areas I focused on, initially selling licensed art prints, but since then we have expanded into other gift and collectible areas.

“I moved to Holmes Chapel with my wife as we had heard it was a great place to raise a family, and were lucky to find premises in the village that suited our needs.”

Melissa Tudor, who works in product development at Fanattik, said: “The items we are creating will include the likeness of Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, and that will make a big difference to the collectibles produce.

“We are very much a fan-focused company, and the fans want to see Rambo on the product.”

Melissa works alongside fellow designer Toby Dickson, from Holmes Chapel. Fanattik is based at Station Yard Trading Estate in Station Road.