POPULAR Hatherleigh potter Elizabeth Aylmer has decided to clean up her potter's wheel and move on, after almost 20 years in the town.

Elizabeth. who specialised in domestic and garden pottery, built up Hatherleigh Pottery in Market Street during her time there. Elizabeth, who was born in Zimbabwe, said she decided to take some time out to do some travelling before settling in new pastures somewhere in the sun.

She has not decided exactly where she wants to go yet, but is looking forward to living in a warmer climate again.

'Living and working in Hatherleigh has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for me,' she said.

Elizabeth said she would always cherish the time she spent in the town she called her home for almost 20 years.

'I am proud to say that most of the trade is local — not just Hatherleigh or West Devon, but all the way up to Bristol. We have always had great support from the West Country.'

The closing down sale at Hatherleigh Pottery will finish this Saturday, (September 20). The new owners plan to re-open next Easter so the business will continue although the style will change to include a gallery as well as a pottery.