A POTTERY enthusiast has commissioned a special mug to commemorate the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent's federation.

Pauline Grosvenor, who runs online ceramics shop Potters Kiln UK, has had just 50 of the pieces made so far.

But she says she will consider commissioning another batch if they prove to be a hit.

All the mugs have been handmade at Leeds Pottery in Longton, while the transfers were done by hand at Fenton-based Finsbury China.

Pauline, of Baddeley Green, decided to set up Potters Kiln last year to give small local ceramics and glassware businesses an outlet to sell their goods.

The 58-year-old said she wanted to keep traditional skills alive by giving pottery workers who had lost their jobs with bigger manufacturers a chance to sell their own designs.

She said: "The reason I started the business was because so many young people involved in making pottery were being made redundant.

"Everything on the website is local and I also try to promote handmade products wherever possible.

"I phoned the tourism board to see if there was anyone making mugs and they said there wasn't, so I thought it would be a good idea.

"I made sure that I got all local people involved and the mugs are all handmade and decorated."

The £12.99 federation mugs feature iconic Potteries images such as bottle kilns and pit wheels.

And Pauline said: "I've just had 50 made but if they go well I might make more – I'm going to wait and see how popular they are."

Pauline's passion for ceramics was sparked as a child.

She said: "I was born in 1951 and we lived in Charles Street, in Hanley, just below where the bus station is now, so I was surrounded by pottery factories.

"My mother worked in the tile factory at Johnson's and at Woods and I just developed a passion for it."

Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Jean Bowers was presented with one of the centenary mugs at Leeds Pottery in Sutherland Road this week.

Councillor Bowers said: "It's great to see local businesses getting involved with the centenary celebrations and making pottery that will be remembered in future years.

"As Lord Mayor I am very proud to have been presented with the mug, it's an impressive design and a fitting way to commemorate the centenary of the federation."

The 100th anniversary of the federation of the six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent falls on March 31. A series of events is taking place to celebrate, including street parties, a civic reception, a festival of sport and a display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.