POTTERY collecting mayoress Vera Selby was given a VIP tour of the PenDelfin factory in Burnley.

Accompanied by her husband the Mayor Coun Eric Selby, Vera toured the studios met the staff and saw the whole of process from casting to the finishing touches.

Vera has about 60 pieces in her own collection and is a member of the PenDelfin Collector's Club.

She said: "It was a fabulous visit. I was joined by another former Mayoress, Ivy Brown, and I told her if I had broken both my legs the day before I would still have gone round!

"I started collecting 30 years ago and my first piece was Barney. My mother had two or three pieces and my daughter-in-law Angela Gull also collects.

"I have bought most of my collection myself and Eric has also bought me pieces, but they are difficult to get hold of in Burnley unless you can get to the shop."

Vera was presented with a signed book written by Jean Walmsley Heap, the company's founder, and a model of Dasher and Blazer, one of the latest designs to be made at the Elm Street factory.

Managing director Arthur Morley said: "The Mayoress was amazed at the size of the operation and talked to staff, many who have worked here for 30 or 40 years."

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