Pottery show cracks cash problem

A magic carpet ride will be included in the exhibition

A troubled £3m exhibition celebrating the history of the pottery industry is finally going ahead.

The Ceramica project was due to open in Staffordshire at the beginning of the year but was held back due to cash problems.

Organisers have announced it will open next April.

The main part of the exhibition, due to be held at Burslem Town Hall, will include a magic carpet ride showing the history of the area and rides on narrow boats.

Visitors will also be able to take part in an archaeological dig showing the origins of Josiah Wedgwood's first pottery works which were found on the site.

The project's general manager Ian Howe, says the exhibition will be more than just an attraction and will act as a catalyst to spark the regeneration of Burslem.

The project has attracted £1.5m from the lottery and funding from Stoke-on-Trent city council.

The project was halted after members of Stoke-on-Trent Council had to decide whether they wanted to invest cash into the project.