A group of ceramicists who held an impromptu charity auction of their wares raised £2,000 to help educate children with autism.

The money was collected during an Art in Action event at Waterperry House, near Wheatley, and was handed over to autistic educational charity Prior's Court Foundation last week.

The art festival featured a number of marquees housing paintings, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, jewellery and textiles and other media.

Potter Lawrence McGowan said: "The ceramics tent was as large and comprehensive as ever and some 24 potters and a restoration expert were selected to demonstrate their craft.

"Sherry Moran, the tent organiser, issued a further invitation to everyone by inviting them to make a piece, or pieces, that Peter Hayes would fire during the event in his Raku kiln.

"The challenge was taken up almost without exception and a great variety of pieces in an equally great variety of clays were produced for Peter's consideration and treatment. "Some were produced with more hope than expectation, but everyone entered into the challenge with a spirit of fun. Pieces were being passed around from potter to potter to be decorated, gilded, inscribed, glazed or whatever, resulting in some amazing collaborative celebrations in clay.

"One thing led to another and, at some stage, a suggestion was made — and eagerly taken up — that the occasion could be used to raise some money for a suitable charity by auctioning each day's results.

"People were persuaded to dig deep into their pockets to the depth of a remarkable £2,000 over the course of the four days."