A TALENTED Cuddington schoolgirl has used her artistic flair and creativity to raise funds for Children in Need.

Becky Donhue, who attends Cuddington Primary School, designed her own vase as part of a charity competition run jointly by the prestigious Moorcroft Pottery Company and BBC Radio Stoke.

Selected

Becky's design, entitled A Summer's Day was selected as one of the 60 finalists out of more than 300 entries.

The nine-year-old's vase was then crafted and sold at a special Children in Need auction, hosted by Eric Knowles of the Antiques Roadshow, where it raised £180 after Becky's family fought off stiff opposition to make sure their daughter's masterpiece returned to Cuddington.

Steve, Becky's very proud father, said: "We wouldn't normally pay almost £200 for an ornament but we had good reason on this occasion.

"We are so pleased that Becky made it through to the finals of the competition. Her vase is priceless to us."

The auction raised £35,750 in total for Children In Need with the top priced vase reaching a staggering price of £2,500 and eight more of the 60 finalists earning bids in excess of £1,000.

It is believed that the event attracted dozens of Moorcroft collectors who helped push up the price by trying to secure one of the unique creations.

In addition to the price of the vases, the competition raised thousands more through the £5 minimum entry fee and cash donations on the night.

scorrigan@guardiangrp.co.uk