A HEREFORD potter and Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down contestant is putting the county on the map.

Miles Johnson, 50, joined CUP Ceramics, in Foley Trading Estate, in 2019 when Col Hamilton first opened the studio.

Owner of CUP Ceramics Col Hamilton said this is the best thing that could have happened for Mr Johnson personally and the business.

"This is massive for us," he said.

"It is great for Miles but also it is giving the business publicity and exposure.

"We are all so excited."

Hereford Times: Miles Johnson with owner of CUP ceramics studio Col Hamilton, who is proud to see Mr Johnson on the show. Miles Johnson with owner of CUP ceramics studio Col Hamilton, who is proud to see Mr Johnson on the show.

Mr Johnson practiced ceramics with his husband in California where he was inspired by his tutor's passion style.

When they returned to the UK, the studio was the only place he could find that would fit his potting needs.

"It was a Godsend," Mr Johnson said.

Hereford Times: Mr Johnson enjoys is moving towards a fine art style.Mr Johnson enjoys is moving towards a fine art style.

He applied for a spot and made sure he sent in photos of his best work to bank him a place in the studio.

"It was great to be a part of a community," he said.

Getting on the show, to which Mr Johnson applied after watching previous seasons, was a positive to come out of a dreary lockdown.

And, the keen potter said, he could not believe it when he was told he had got a place on the show.

"I thought they were going to call up and say 'we were only joking'," Mr Johnson said.

Hereford Times: Miles Johnson also loves to make bowls and mugs at CUP ceramics and his home studio.Miles Johnson also loves to make bowls and mugs at CUP ceramics and his home studio.

He quickly got used to being in front of the camera, he said.

Mr Johnson said he still keeps in touch with the other potters.

"I love them," he said.

"They are an amazing bunch, and we are all very like-minded."