NOTHING quite marks a special occasion like a piece of fine bone china, and Royal Crown Derby hopes if the World Cup comes to the city, it will play its part.

Porcelain keepsakes are often treasured as reminders of a past occasion. Long afterwards, such pieces become a legacy for future generations.

That is why Royal Crown Derby has said it would be delighted to create a decorative piece for the 2018 football World Cup – should matches be played in Derby.

The world-famous china manufacturer has pledged its support for the city's efforts to host games in the prestigious tournament in either 2018 or 2022, citing many reasons why Derby deserves the prestige

Royal Crown Derby said a commemorative item would serve not only as a reminder of the four-week tournament for the people of Derby but also for the 200,000 football supporters who would visit the city.

Simon Willis, sales and marketing manager at Royal Crown Derby, said: "This is a huge opportunity for both Derby and our company to try new things and forge new links, with thousands of people descending on the city.

"We would want to do commemorative pieces because it would be a very important occasion for Derby and something everyone would want to remember.

"They would be a lovely keepsake for Derby people to buy, plus, if all the visitors to the city wanted one, it would be a massive boost both financially and in advertising to the world what Derby does."

Derby launched its World Cup bid last month, as delegates from the Football Association visited the city to assess its case.

The city's bid team is made up of representatives from Derby County, the city and county councils, Marketing Derby and the University of Derby.

Joined by others, they have submitted a preliminary tournament bid in the form of a 230-page document.

The FA, which is putting together England's bid to be assessed by the game's governing body, FIFA, will again visit the city on September 4 and Derby's bid team is urging everyone to back the campaign.

Royal Crown Derby exports china from its factory in Osmaston Road all over the world.

Mr Willis said the advantages the company has by trading from Derby could also be reasons to host World Cup games here.

He said: "A lot of work has been put into the city over the past few years and it has been very worthwhile, making it a more confident and positive place.

"What we have always liked about it is its centralised location, with people staying in London more than happy to nip up to Derby and see us because of the good transport links.

"It's important to have those links because people will want to stay in Derby during the World Cup, knowing they can easily access other cities as well.

"On top of that, Derby's culture and variety of people make it a welcoming place for visitors from all walks of life."

Mr Willis also said the people of Derby should not shy away from the opportunity.

He feels the city's case is strong enough.

He said: "Other cities in England have managed to get a boost from similar events because they believed they could host them successfully.

"This is a target to focus on and a good opportunity to seize. So, if everybody gets behind the bid, there's no reason why it's not possible."

Derby is now one of 16 cities competing for the right to stage matches, following a late entry from Plymouth.

The FA is looking for 12 suitable venues.

The decision on which venues will be included in England's bid will be made in December, with an announcement on whether England will host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup in December 2010.

Click here to register your support for the World Cup bid