THERE IS nothing quite like the excitement of taking your first attempt at pottery out of the kiln.

After delicately crafting their creations, painting and glazing them, students at the Abingdon Health and Wellbeing Centre’s pottery class popped them in — and waited.

One of the first efforts to be fired at the class in the Audlett Drive centre was Helen Hogan’s tile tribute to her dog Sparkie.

Ms Hogan said: “I am so proud, it brought tears to my eyes.”

Like the other students at the class, Ms Hogan is disabled, and uses a wheelchair.

Jonathan West, an engineer by training, is unable to move from his neck down.

But he cheerfully gave instructions to care assistant Kathryn Baggot, and together they made a number plate for his house and a matching one for his son.

Volunteer pottery teacher Annette Woolcock, from Abingdon, said: “The potential for this creative resource is unlimited.

“It gives that satisfaction of complete accomplishment in the exercise of old skills recovered, or new challenges presented.

“The positive atmosphere and good care in the centre engenders this sense of health.”