A retired design and technology teacher from Helston has cracked a Cornish pottery competition and won the chance to have his work on public display.

Paul Finlay, who retired from Helston Community College 18 months ago, following a career spanning 35 years, was judged the winner in the Fifty Shades of Clay Contest.

His mug will now be featured at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, after he beat more than 20 entries from amateur and professional potters.

The competition was designed to coincide with the 'Edge - Ceramics by Paula Downing' exhibition by the artist of the same name, and the BBC’s ‘Great British Pottery Throw Down' series fronted by Keith Brymer-Jones. They, along with Richard Phethean, chairman of the Craft Potters Association, judged the competition.

Mr Brymer-Jones said Mr Finlay won due to his "excellent execution and exceptional use of slip and brush decoration."

Mr Finlay said he had always wanted to explore the world of ceramics but had not touched a piece of clay for nearly 30 years. However, soon after retiring he visited some working pottery studios in West Cornwall as part of ‘Open Studios’ which inspired him and he has since developed his own studio in Fowey, ‘Three Fishes Pottery.’