FA Cup of cheer for medal making firm

Toye, Kenning and Spencer, which dates back to 1685, continues to thrive and has just finished making 64 medals for this year's FA Cup final at Wembley – 30 for each team and four for the officials in charge of the match on May 30. Each medal takes around 20 minutes to make at the workshops in the city's historic Jewellery Quarter and contains 16 grams of gold.

The company has made the medals for the last four finals and even makes special plaques to mark England international matches.

It also believed to have made the first ever FA Cup, won by Battersea-based The Wanderers in 1872.

Among the other highlights include the production of England caps which are handed out to players on international duty.

Baggies fan Andrew Cleverly, aged 38, from Foxwood Avenue in Great Barr, has just finished working on the medals and says he dreams of seeing his beloved Albion pick up some silverware at the national stadium.

"That would be a dream come true," he laughs. "If I could make a medal that the Baggies won, that would just be the best feeling in the world."

Mr Cleverly has worked at the firm for the past four years as a stamper.

His job involves helping to form the medal with gold, stamping them with a design before 'finishing' them off ready to be distributed for the final.

"It is a job that I love because ever since I was little I have been quite good with my hands. I love making things and designing different products," he added.

"I am obviously thrilled that the medals will be picked up by players at Wembley, it is a great feeling."

It also makes around 4,000 CBE medals which are made of 72 carat gold.

Production director and father-of-two Steve Randle, 54, from Holly Hurst Road in Sutton Coldfield, said: "It is brilliant for the workers at the company to know that their hard work is being recognised in front of millions.

"The cup final is watched around the globe and I am thrilled that our medals will be out on display at the final."