Teenager made master potter

Chris Mottram's work sells for thousands of pounds

A 19-year-old man has become the youngest person in a select group of master craftsmen.

Chris Mottram, who trained at Wedgwood's Barlaston factory in Stoke-on-Trent, is the company's most junior master potter.

The teenager is one of only a handful of people qualified to throw Wedgwood's prestigious Portland vases, which sell for thousands of pounds.

Mr Mottram told BBC Midlands Today that it has taken him a long time to hone his skills.

Portland vases are difficult to make

"Six months ago I couldn't do one of these at all.

"What you have to do is just practise, practise, practise and that's all you can do really."

The 19-year-old added that coming into work is anything but a chore.

"I just love getting my hands wet and dirty, it's just great.

"I just love coming into work knowing you're going to get all messed up."

Gaye Blake-Roberts, director of the Wedgwood Museum Trust, said: "When you see somebody so young, so capable of producing something that has such enormous heritage and tradition, it really is a great achievement."