WANTING to help raise funds for the people of Ukraine, wondering what one person could do using the skills they have, Ross Marshall hit on the idea of little blue and yellow pots with a dove of peace on each.

Ross has run the pottery at Spreyton, almost opposite the pub, for at least 12 years.  “I was trying to think of something different that people could keep and use,” he said.  “No two pots are the same except that they are all about the same size, similar shapes.”

He aims to make 100.  “Within 18 minutes of our putting them up on the website, they were all sold,” he said.

Ross was asking a minimum donation of £10, many people have paid more than this and all the money goes directly to the British Red Cross or UNICEF.  Ross takes nothing.

He has made two of these pots using clay from the Isle of Wight for two friends who live there.  He has also been asked to make some for a charity event in London, where they will be sold.

Ross makes mainly hand thrown domestic ware and you might have seen his work in National Trust shops.

A three hares boss is in the village church and Ross makes plant pots and terracotta tiles bearing the motif of the three hares, the tiles are a copy of the boss.

His website gives more information.