YOUNGSTERS got in a spin when an artist visited their school to teach them how use a potter’s wheel.

Pupils at Holy Rood Catholic Junior School took time out from lessons to get their hands dirty and made clay pots and wall tiles, inspired by the harvest.

Community artist Neil Alcock visited the school and coached pupils in moulding the clay, before inscribing their names on them for a personal touch.

Headteacher Tony McAteer said: “One of our aspirations at Holy Rood is to enable our children to develop their creativity through a variety of media.

“Every child relished the opportunity to work with a professional potter to produce a pot and a tile with their own design on it.

“The pots will be a nice memento of this experience and the finished tiles will be mounted onto panels and displayed on the outer walls of the school building.”

Student Shannon Ashworth, nine, of Freshbrook, said: “The man taught us how to make pots and it was really fun. We also made some tiles and I put grapes and wheat on mine because of harvest.”

Kester Dadzie, 10, of West Swindon, said: “I chose cherries and strawberries for my tiles because they are my favourite fruit.

“Making the pot felt unique, it was really sticky. I really enjoyed it.”

Neil, of south Gloucestershire, said: “I just love what I do and passing on that experience to others, especially children. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”