Staff at Emma Bridgewater pottery have taken fundraising to heart this summer at their factory in Hanley.

Already the target is fast approaching £2,000 raised through fun activities at the Lichfield Street site, which is rapidly becoming a favourite tourist and fun attraction in its own right. 

At their recent collectors' club open days, staff were determined to raise a tidy sum for their chosen local charity Staffordshire Air Ambulance.  A raffle to win specially commissioned ware, as well as a Queen of Tarts sale of cakes brought along by visitors raised almost £1,500.  

A quilt made from customers' favourite pieces of material was also sewn by local volunteers at the open days. Their excellent needlework will be displayed in the Emma Bridgewater café soon before being auctioned off later in the year. September Factory tour fees are also planned to be donated to the cause.

In addition, two members of staff added to the coffers.  Keen runner Marion McDonald raised money by selling tickets for a sweepstake to guess her time in a 10k run, while Kate Ellis sold copies of a quiz around the factory.  

Jamie Shawcross, Head of Retail at the Emma Bridgewater factory said: "We see ourselves as very much a part of the local community and many visitors to our lovely Victorian factory are also local families who are delighted to support Staffordshire Air Ambulance.

"So we have lots more fundraising plans which will complement our summer holiday Circus Fun activities, and visitors are guaranteed to have great fun and learn about our world famous pottery at the same time."  

The Emma Bridgewater factory is open seven days a week for factory tours (weekdays only) and visits to the garden.  On site you'll also find the kitchen café, decorating studio, factory outlet and gift shop.