Trading Statement

Hornby PLC
4 February 2002



      HORNBY ANNOUNCES BUOYANT TRADING AND SUCCESSFUL NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES

Hornby Plc ('Hornby') announces that sales of its products in the pre-Christmas
period were significantly higher than the previous year.

The recent launch of the new Scalextric Sport track system is expected to
further enhance the Company's sales in the final quarter to March 2002. This
system, launched at the London and Nurnberg Toy Fairs last week has been
extremely well received by UK customers and International distributors.

The Company's Hornby railways product range in the pre-Christmas period included
the Harry Potter 'Hogwarts Express' range and will be strengthened in the
current quarter by further introductions of 'Super Detail' locomotives and
rolling stock.

On the basis of current sales expectations and in the absence of unforeseen
circumstances, the Company expects profits before tax to exceed significantly
market expectations in the year to 31 March 2002.

Chairman Neil Johnson commented:

' I am delighted to announce details of our recent trading, which reflects
continuing solid progress in all sectors of the business. 2001 was the first
full year in which all our production was out-sourced. The achievement of
substantially higher sales, whilst retaining close control of stock levels, has
demonstrated that the Company now has the products and supply chain to build its
business worldwide.

' This growth will be driven primarily by continued investment in our core slot
racing and model railway business. However the continuing success of the 'Hornby
Virtual Railway' and the positive response to the recently launched 'Scalextric
Race Management System' gives confidence that we will be able to continue to
leverage our brands using similarly innovative techniques.'

                                    - ends -

Date: 4 February 2002

For further information contact:
Hornby PLC                              City Profile
Neil Johnson, Chairman                  Simon Courtenay
Frank Martin, Chief Executive           Ed Senior
01843-233500                            020-7448-3244
Web: www.hornby.com                     e-mail: [e-mail]
or www.scalextric.com





                      This information is provided by RNS
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