GIGGLESWICK potter Matthew Wilcock has emerged victorious from BBC TV's Great Pottery Throw Down.

Matthew, who teaches pottery at Giggleswick School, beat three other finalists to be named Top Potter in the BBC2 series that has hooked the nation.

He had already come top in three of the five previous episodes.

In the final programme, shown last week, judges Kate Malone and Keith Brymer Jones set the final contestants a few tough challenges before picking a winner.

The finalists had to make a 12-piece tea set out of porcelain, do a spot test (which tests their technical ability against the clock) and then a 20-minute challenge to make three, notoriously difficult to make, high shouldered jugs.

Matthew, who at 23 was the youngest contestant, said the programme had given him more confidence.

He said: "I don't think my friends had actually thought about me being a potter, we just sort of get on with our lives and meet socially. They are now all following the show and are really amazed that I had the confidence to apply for the series.

"As my mum and dad are both potters they know my skills and determination. Although they are very supportive I don't think they thought I would do as well as I did because they are aware of the competition out there."