PUPILS went back in time by taking part in an artistic workshop and learning about Reading's ceramics history.

Children from New Town Primary School visited Reading College to create, fire and take home decorative tiles.

They were assisted by some of the college's Creative Industries students and enjoyed the chance to get creative with their designs.

Geoff Stoves, Key Stage 2 leader at New Town Primary, said: “We really want to widen out the curriculum so that children are getting lots more opportunities to show their creativity.

“It’s also really important to see what’s going on in the local area and hopefully that raises their aspirations and they can see what they’ve got to look forward to as they go through secondary school and into further and higher education.”

A total of 34 Year 6 pupils took part in the workshop, using templates from the natural world to inspire their work.

The children’s carefully created and colourful tiles will be exhibited at Reading College’s end of year show on June 14.

Anna Glanville-Smith, Creative Industries faculty manager, added: “We are thrilled to be able to share our fantastic facilities with a local primary school, and inspire the next generation of artists and designers.

“Creative arts classes are important because they help children develop motor, language and social skills, as well as encouraging their risk-taking and inventiveness.

“We are very grateful to the Crafts Council for supporting this session and we hope that the children’s tiles now take pride of place on the mantelpiece at home."