'Buzz' at ceramics store amid industry's setbacks

Inga, left, and Emma visited the store during a trip to the UK from the Netherlands

A "buzz" in Stoke-on-Trent was reported as people queued for the opening of a new ceramics shop that has emerged in the wake of a collapsed pottery firm.

TG Green launched the Cornishware store at its Burslem factory on Tuesday, with pottery enthusiasts from across the country, and two from the Netherlands, visiting the site.

The company took over the factory in March after the collapse of pottery firm Royal Stafford which led to the loss of 83 jobs.

It was one of three ceramics companies in the city to go bust since the start of the year as the industry cited pressure from rising energy costs and falling sales.

Attending the store's opening, customer Jenna Goodwin said the staff appeared to be "over the moon" and it was nice to see the factory open again.

"It was just such a vibe, such a buzz," she told BBC Radio Stoke. "Everybody is really excited about it."

Cornishware collector Katie Godwin, who visited from Leicester, said the new store was helping to keep Stoke-on-Trent's pottery heritage alive.

"Stoke is renowned for the its pottery," she said. "I think it's a good thing to do."

Cornishware collector Katie Godwin visited the store from Leicester

Ceramics enthusiasts Emma and Inga, from the Netherlands, said they were visiting Chester, Cheshire, while on holiday but wanted to attend the opening of the store.

Emma said they enjoyed collecting a variety of pottery, adding: "It's always nice every morning to decide what kind of cups and plates I'm using."

'Going incredibly well'

TG Green took on 17 former Royal Stafford workers when it took over the site in March and three more had been recruited since then, according to general manager Paul Burston.

He said business was going "incredibly well", adding: "All in all, we're pleased. The factory shop is a really good and positive add-on to the whole thing."

As well as Royal Stafford, Heraldic Pottery in Newstead and Moorcroft in Cobridge also collapsed earlier this year, though the latter has since been purchased by the founder's grandson.