A part-time pottery students have spoken of their anger and dismay at a college's decision to axe their classes.

More than 50 potters have been left in the lurch after New College Durham said that it was withdrawing the facilities in the new year for people not seeking qualifications.

Student Ingrid Panther said: "This comes as a deep shock to all of us.

"We would hope they would reconsider because we are totally dependent on the equipment.

"Among the many users are a gentleman in a wheelchair recovering from a stroke and a visually-impaired woman who has produced fantastic work.

"The college have been given millions of pounds to improve their facilities for the community. Their arguments are ridiculous under the circumstances.

"A lot of part-time students are retired and do not necessarily want qualifications.

"They are just doing it for enjoyment, and for many it is their only outlet."

Mrs Panther said they had been looking forward to the completion of the new college complex - until they learnt of the loss of a gas kiln, forcing them to reduce projects to an "amateurish level".

The final shock came when told pottery classes at the college were to close down.

Ms Panther said that an offer for a class in Chester-le-Street would not meet their needs.

College customer services manager Paul Ryder said the college provided a wide and varied range of courses at its Framwellgate Moor Campus, as well as in the wider community.

He said: "The college is, however, bound by Government policy and funding arrangements that are linked to the achievement of qualifications, or progression to higher levels of study or progression into employment.

"For this reason, it is sometimes unavoidable that, where a course does not lead to a qualification outcome, the college is unable to offer provision because there is inadequate or no funding to support it - unless it is offered on a full-cost recovery basis."

Mr Ryder said ceramics courses for full-time students would continue as part of their studies.