A groundbreaking initiative to set up the Turning Earth ceramics studio in Whiston Road, Haggerston, has raised £13,660 through crowd funding.

Founder of Turning Earth Ceramics Studio, Tallie Maughan, smashed her target of £8,000 to set up the studio by November.

Crowd funding sees people chipping in pledges for community projects to make them a reality.

Although the UK is famous for ceramic arts, it is fast becoming a dying craft here due to lack of funds and the high cost.

Turning Earth promises to provide an affordably priced, easy-access studio in two large railway arches for potters on a monthly membership fee basis.

Already seen in the US, the model provides shared facilities in a similar way to a gym.

At a cost of between £100 to £155 members will gain 15-hours a week access as well as equipment, storage, advice and mentoring from trained staff.

Ms Maughan will open the studio with Stuart Carey, who has taught at the prestigious Royal College of Art and Central St Martins.

MP for Hackney South, Meg Hillier presented the big cheque last Tuesday night in the yard of the new studio and toasted the success of the campaign with supporters and studio members.

For more information see www.turningearthceramics.co.uk.