MARK Harper, MP and Government Chief Whip, officially opened The Pottery Painter in Newent - cutting the ribbon and even getting stuck into painting some pottery.

After trying his hand at painting a mug, Mark said: “I’m keen to support anyone who is prepared to start a new business or try a new venture.

“That’s how we grow businesses and create jobs and opportunities.

“I’ve not been blessed with a huge amount of artistic talent but it was really straightforward and I had great instructions.”

The town’s first paint-your-own pottery studio is based in a unit at the golf club in Coldharbour Lane.The Pottery Painter’s Maggie Brown said: “We have a huge range of pottery to choose from – mugs and plates to money boxes and figurines.

“After painting, pottery is then glazed and fired on site and is ready to be collected a week later.

“To begin with we will be open Friday’s and Saturday’s from noon until 5pm and available other days for private parties.

“We can seat 32 people comfortably and are open to anyone who would like to come and paint a piece of pottery, either for themselves or as a gift.”