There has been a noticeable resurgence of interest in pottery – from studio classes and home potters to television programmes like The Great Pottery Throw Down introducing millions of people to the world of clay.

And perhaps it’s not surprising.

Clay is wonderfully hands-on. You can squeeze it, roll it, carve it, throw it, build with it and completely change your mind halfway through.

In a world where so much of our time is spent looking at screens, there is something incredibly satisfying about making something with your hands.

And then there’s the result.

You don’t just finish a pottery session with an experience. You might leave with a mug, bowl, sculpture or vase that you made yourself.

For some people it’s creativity. For others it’s relaxation. For others it’s simply the joy of trying something new.

Whatever the reason, clay seems to have a way of drawing people in.

And once you’ve started, it’s surprisingly difficult to stop.