Candles made to 'smell like West Midlands places'

A couple have created candles designed to smell like places in the West Midlands.

Firm Dark Foundry No. 8 is run by Paul Briggs and Viki Smith, from Willenhall.

Among others, their candles pay tribute to Digbeth's custard factory, Walsall's traditional saddle-making industry and the scent of Cannock Chase.

However, Mr Briggs admitted that not every aroma of the West Midlands deserved to be wafted around your bedroom.

He said his personal favourite candle was one dedicated to Birmingham City FC, but added the "masculine" scent captured the essence of St Andrew's, rather than the average matchday.

"We didn't really want to make one of our candles smell like Pukka Pies and a cup of Bovril," Mr Briggs said.

Other candles' scents, the couple say, are more in keeping with their origins.

One, Ms Smith said, captured the essence of Staffordshire beauty spot Cannock Chase.

"We always take our dog there. It's not just trees. It's like even in the summer, it smells wet... damp, salty, but clean," she said.

Another is named after Digbeth in Birmingham, famous for the Custard Factory.

Mr Briggs said: "The vanilla scent candle is to do with the old Birds Custard factory, we wanted to keep the candle names classy and when creating it I first called it Digbeth Bird.

"My partner Viki was like 'that's not classy, why not call it Lady Digbeth'," he said.

Walsall fan Mr Briggs added another of the firm's candles named The Saddler reflected the area's saddle-making heritage, with a smoky leather scent.

The couple are also open to new ideas and want people in the region to come up with their own suggestions.

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