WHEN AFC Sudbury appear in the FA Vase final their silky skills will be matched by finely cut ties produced by an historic weaving company.Sudbury silk weaving firm Stephen Walters & Sons, which dates back to the 1700s, has made certain the stars of the team look a class act when they walk out for the clash on May 16.

WHEN AFC Sudbury appear in the FA Vase final their silky skills will be matched by finely cut ties produced by an historic weaving company.

Sudbury silk weaving firm Stephen Walters & Sons, which dates back to the 1700s, has made certain the stars of the team look a class act when they walk out for the clash on May 16.

The smart attire of the players when they take to the field at Birmingham City's St Andrews Stadium, will be neatly finished off by the fine neck ware, which has been designed specially for the occasion.

The wearing of the ties will also mean two of the town's finest institutions will be on display in Birmingham.

Like the entire Sudbury community, the 120-strong workforce at the firm has become engulfed in the football fever gripping the town in the build-up to the final.

Workers at the factory have spent weeks working with the company's finest silks to produce commemorative blue and yellow ties, feature the club emblem.

Official's from the football club witnessed the first ties rolling off the production line during a guided tour of the factory yesterday.

Julius Walters , managing director at the factory, said: "It is really, really pleasing that the club was interested in using our fabrics to make the ties for this special occasion.

"We at the factory, alongside the whole town, are delighted that they have done so well to get to another FA Vase final."

Factory warehouse manager Kevin Taylor, a keen supporter of the team, added: "Everyone would like to see win the Vase, I hope it will be a case of third time lucky."

AFC Sudbury manager Gary Harvey said he was delighted with the finished product and said he and his staff will be proud to wear them on the big day.

Meanwhile, officials from the club, including Karen Tracey, wife of the team captain Chris Tracey, will be outside Sudbury town hall this Saturday selling tickets and merchandise for the match from 8.30am to 12pm.