A NORTH-EAST school is hosting a major national exhibition on its first trip outside of London.

Making It Yours: Ceramics, which has opened at Greenfield School Community and Arts College, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will act as the catalyst for classroom and community projects based around arts and crafts.

The exhibition showcases 44 pieces of contemporary ceramic work by leading artists, including 2003 Turner Prize winner, transvestite potter Grayson Perry.

There are also interactive areas to show visitors about the methods, materials and processes used and offering them a chance to show their own creative flair.

The exhibition is the first stage in a groundbreaking partnership between the Crafts Council and Osfted, aimed at invigorating contemporary craft teaching in schools.

It is being used as a starting point for projects in most subject areas such as science, where the chemicals used to mix paints and glazes are being studied.

Sedgefield Borough Council is supporting a host of community events based around the exhibition, including workshops for all ages on felt, book and jewellery making, glass fusing and stained glass windows.

There will also be a careers fair for young people exploring arts and crafts jobs, on Friday, June 9.

Katy Milne, community arts co-ordinator, said: "It is wonderful for a school and community venue to host such an exciting and important exhibition. Local people haven't had access to this information and these pieces without visiting London before.

"It will act as an inspiration to pupils and the community to try new things."

Year eight pupils Leonna Kellett and Gillisa Warrior, both 13, said the exhibition was inspiring them to take on school projects and consider careers in the arts.

Leonna said: "After visiting the exhibition, I thought up a creative writing project, writing poems in English lessons based on what we've seen."

Gillisa said: "It is really interesting and we know we're lucky to have these pieces at the school. We've also found out about different craft methods and jobs so we'll think about careers we might never had considered."

Neighbouring schools are also being invited to take part in the project, which runs until July 21.

The centre, on Greenfield Way, is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm, and Friday, 9am to 6pm.

For details, call (01325) 370048 or visit www.craftscouncil.org. uk/exhibitions/miy