CERAMIC artwork has raised funds for England's first beaver re-introduction project in east Devon.

Ceramicist Helen Hodson donated a family of ceramic beavers to Dorset Wildlife Trust in support of the charity's beaver project.

Helen created an online raffle, with every £5 donation giving donors a chance to win one of her artworks. All proceeds have been given in support the Rover Otter Beaver Trial, which will monitor Devon's wild beavers over the next five years.

Helen was always keen on both crafts and nature as a child – but ceramics are a relatively recent passion.

She said: “I took a pottery evening class four years ago and remember making a lizard with the first ball of clay I was handed.

"I loved it so much that I haven’t stopped making since.

“Taking a lump of mud and turning it into something that will sit on somebody’s shelf is incredibly satisfying. I now have my own studio and spend most of my spare time there. I’m now able to combine my love of clay and nature which makes it the perfect past-time.”

The online auction closed yesterday (18), with hundreds raised for the charity's work.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Dan Smith said: “It’s great to see people’s enthusiasm for the river Otter beavers continuing – we’ve already seen local people’s creation of beaver songs, raps and a website; while fundraising for the project has included beaver artworks and book stalls, beaver walks and talks.

“DWT is very grateful to Helen for donating her ceramic beavers, creating the online raffle and covering the postage cost of the prizes. We’re sure many people will find her family of beavers rather adorable."