Iconic British shoemaker embarks on 'heartbreaking' cost cuts

Tony Blair wore the same pair of Church shoes at every Prime Minister's Questions between 1997 and 2007. PA Wire

Mr Blair attributed his repeated success in sending mail to a lucky pair of Church's Chetwynd brogues, which he wore religiously while answering all the Prime Minister's Questions between 1997 and 2007.

The former prime minister told The Times in 2007: “I know it's funny, but I wore them to every premiere. In fact, I've been wearing them for 18 years.»

The pair are thought to have cost Blair around £150, but today sell for £940.

Church's shoes were also worn . two James Bonds: Pierce Brosnan wore them in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough, and Daniel Craig wore a pair in Quantum of Solace.

A company spokesman told The Telegraph: «In light of Given the challenging environment in which we operate, we have had to make some difficult decisions, but we are confident that these changes will ensure Church's success.

“Over the past two years, we have focused on significantly reorganizing Church's. #39;s to put the business on a strong footing and deliver sustainable, long-term growth.

“We remain committed to strengthening Church's industrial heritage in Northampton and ensuring that this distinctly British brand can grow over a long period of time. into the future.»