A Halstead man has seen his pottery creations displayed around the world.

Shaun Hall, 44, of Head Street, Halstead, first started making pots in 1998, after studying ceramics at Middlesex University.

He now specialises in raku - a type of Japanese pottery.

Mr Hall, father to three-year-old Eddie and Lauren, one, said: “My mum and brother were both artistic so I grew up with it.

“My mum went to pottery classes in the 70s when I was growing up so it all seemed quite normal to me.

“When I left university, some of my pots were bought by Selfridges.

“That doesn’t happen every day.

“I have had some of my pots in a French museum.

“I went to the private viewing and had to pinch myself - it was something money can’t buy.

“I have had lots of amazing opportunities and experiences through pottery.”

He has had his work displayed in Chelmsford Museum and also in Leigh on Sea and has received commissions from around the world, including America.

“Raku is quite difficult to do, but it produces a lovely rainbow affect with lots of colours,” Mr Hall added.

“It is very, very pretty.

“I specialise in copper matte raku, which not many people can do.

“People’s interest in pottery has really rekindled since BBC Two started its Pottery Throw Down series.

“It’s funny because I have had quite a few people emailing me about learning how to do it.

“I have some classes already and am setting up a new one in Braintree in January.

“I do a lot of work with Braintree Mencap and with Scope too and people with learning difficulties and mental health issues are always welcome.

“There are generally some retired people in the classes as well so there is a really nice mix of people.

“Pottery is very therapeutic for me and the students.

“I would encourage everyone to try it.

“I always go back to basics to start with and I always learn something from my students - everyone will be working on a project but all the pots will come out differently.”

For more information about joining the classes, shaunraku@gmail.com