Teapot Island, Yalding features on Marks and Spencer's biscuit tin
11:33, 25 June 2019
updated: 11:05, 26 June 2019
We probably don't think of Maidstone as being an international hotspot but it has been carefully selected to feature on a biscuit tin that is sold across the world.
The Marks and Spencer's You're Great Britain novelty box shows a map of the UK with fun landmarks highlighted for different areas.
Right at the bottom of the lid, representing the south east, is Teapot Island in Hampstead Lane, Yalding.
Alongside it is the Guy Fawkes Bonfire in Lewes, East Sussex.
Manager at Teapot Island Luke Blazye said that this is actually the second time the tin has been produced.
He said: "When it first came out about two years ago one of our relatives came and told us that our name was on it but she is in her 80's, so we just thought she was seeing things.
"I then went to the Tunbridge Wells Marks and Spencer and saw it myself. I called my mum and dad and mum was very excited.
"We are a unique thing for people to come and visit and it was unexpected to be mentioned.
"Its amazing to have recognition for this part of the country, especially on a biscuit tin."
The family run business owned by Luke's mum and dad, Keith and Sue Blazye, houses more than 7,000 teapots, including a three metre tall one that is used as a wishing well.
Luke added: "It's a funny story actually, we asked M&S if we could buy some in bulk to have inside the shop and they came back to us and told us we couldn't have a discount.
"Then they passed us on to their legal team because they thought that we were upset that they had used our names without asking our permission.
"But we weren't upset at all, it's all free advertising for us."
The island has been visited by royalty in the past with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall heading along to take a look at the collection.
The biscuit box is filled with different butter cookies including stem ginger, oat and honey and dark chocolate chunk.
A M&S spokesperson said: “We introduced our ‘You’re Great! Britain’ Biscuit Tin into stores over five years ago, and we’re delighted it’s been popular with customers ever since.”
