Over 40 ceramic makers are set to fill Stoke Minster next month as part of an independent ceramics fair celebrating local heritage, and craftsmanship from across the UK.

The inaugural Stoke Ceramics Fair will be opening to visitors across the city and beyond at the Grade II listed church on 17 October from 10am to 4pm.

The free to attend event will showcase the work of 43 ceramic artists including four past Great Pottery Throwdown contestants.

Organised by Sara Adams of HSL Pottery, Madison Cartlidge of Rae of Delights and Paul Kearton of Paul Kearton Ceramics, the event was inspired by the team's enthusiasm to give the 'Potteries' its own independent ceramics fair.

Sara said: "We are ceramicists ourselves. We've been in and around the country doing fairs and exhibitions but always hoped that Stoke would hold its own.

"And if somewhere like Stoke-on-Trent can't hold a ceramic festival, then where can?"

As well as the city, the venue itself has a rich ceramics history.

Stoke Minster is the burial place of Josiah Wedgwood and contains memorials to the Wedgwood, Spode and Minton families. The building also contains examples of local ceramics such as Minton tiles.

The local pottery industry will also be celebrated at the event with a live wheel demonstration by ceramic artist Jon French.

Sara added: "I think that's one of the other good things that I want to come from this is some positivity around ceramics in Stoke.

"Let's celebrate it a bit more."

As well as showcasing artists from Stoke-on-Trent, the fair will feature individuals from across the UK.

Each of the stall holders has been specially selected by the Stoke Ceramics Fair team, and pieces will include functional ceramics as well as sculptures and abstract work.

Crucially for the team, all of the ceramics will be carefully hand-crafted pieces.

Paul said: "What will be on sale here is not mass produced. It's unique, it's one-off."

He added: "There will be some expensive things but there will be affordable options as well. We are hoping to cover off a wide range of people's budgets."

In addition to supporting existing ceramic makers, the fair also hopes to inspire the next generation.

Paul added: "We want to bring people in for our exhibitors, but we also hope it might inspire adults and children into taking it up."

The British Ceramics Biennial will also be hosting a free drop-in clay workshop at the BCB studio on Church Street on 17 October.

The Stoke Ceramics Fair will take place at Stoke Minster on Saturday 17 October from 10am to 4pm. Refreshments will be available at the event.

To find out more about Stoke Ceramics Fair, visit the Facebook page here.