The Hero Manufacturing Co. was founded by Roger Copple in 1980 after graduating from the product design course at Portsmouth College of Art and Design.

Tall on ideas but short on capital, he found a regular supply of hardwood off-cuts from a local joinery, and with the loan of a lathe set up a new business making his range of skittles.

The British Design Council was the first to make an order after giving the designs 'award status'. From then on customers were recommended by word of mouth.

Roger joined the British Toymakers Guild in 1981 and gained their award for excellence at the first fair he attended. He now lives and works at his cottage in Cornwall.

The history of Skittles can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and perhaps beyond. The game was formalised in England towards the end of the 19th century with the formation of the Amateur Skittles Association.

Skittles can help children develop hand-eye coordination, and promote sharing in the form of taking turns to bowl. They can also be used in imaginative play, and make an attractive display when not in use.