Hornby shares increased 27% after the toymaker announced it had clinched a licensing deal with the studio.

The agreement will see Hornby release a range of model railway, slot car sets and die cast vehicles featuring Warner Bros. and DC franchises including Harry Potter and DC’s Super Heroes. DC Super Heroes cover a raft of famous characters including Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and the Green Lantern.

The toys will be developed under the company’s Hornby Railways, Scalextric and Corgi brands. The company will display the first products developed under the partnership at the London Toy Fair in January next year.

Hornby chief executive Lyndon Davies, commented: “Having access to these perennially popular franchises will provide Hornby with the opportunity to apply our ability in developing and delivering a desirable range of products that will appeal to fans of the many Warner Bros characters and DC Super Heroes.”

The news sent Hornby shares up nearly 27% in midday trading. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is likely to raise investor spirits as the company drives ahead with turnaround plans.