Trading Statement

Hornby PLC
02 February 2004

                                 Trading Update

                   HORNBY REPORTS STRONG PRE-CHRISTMAS SALES

Hornby Plc ('Hornby' or 'the Company') announces that sales of its products in
the pre-Christmas period were, again, higher than the previous year. The Company
also anticipates a good final quarter performance.

Sales, both of the Company's Hornby railways and Scalextric slot car racing
products, in the three-month period to December 2003 were higher than the
previous year.

New products introduced in the final months of 2003 are expected to continue the
Company's sales momentum in the final quarter of the current financial year. In
particular, demand for Hornby 'Live Steam' sets exceeded supply prior to
Christmas and this demand has continued into 2004.

The Company's new products launched at the London Toy Fair last week were well
received. The MotoGP range of slot-racing motorcycles is expected to make a
meaningful contribution to sales and profits in the coming financial year.
The launch of the Scalextric 'Sport Digital' lane changing system and the 'Sport
World' Internet racing system places the Scalextric brand at the forefront of
technology in this growing hobby sector.

In light of the above, the Company expects to report pre-tax profits at the
upper end of market expectations for the financial year ending 31 March 2004.

Chairman, Neil Johnson commented:

' I am delighted to announce details of our recent trading, which continues to
reflect the successful product development and marketing strategies being
pursued in all sectors of the business. Retail sales prior to Christmas were
again later than the previous year, but our wider retail distribution network,
supported by continued consumer promotion, resulted in a strong sell-through in
the final days before Christmas.

' Our strategy continues to be to develop the Hornby and Scalextric brands as
market leaders appealing to the broadest possible consumer base. Our focus on
design authenticity, supported by ground-breaking technological developments is
helping to build a position of global leadership for both our major brands
within their respective markets.'

                                    -ends -

Date: 2 February 2004
For further information contact:

Hornby Plc                                 City Profile Group
Neil Johnson, Chairman                     Simon Courtenay
Frank Martin, Chief Executive              020-7448-3244
01843-233500
Web: www.hornby.com


                      This information is provided by RNS
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