Inspiring former Milton Keynes teacher reaches prime time Channel Four series final

Peter White from Woburn Sands is a finalist on Channel 4's Great Pottery Throw Down.

White's attempt to win the series crown will air on Channel 4 at 8PM Sunday March 14.

Peter worked as an art and design and technology teacher at Stantonbury Campus in Milton Keynes for over 20 years.

The Woburn Sands resident left behind a career in product design to pursue a degree in ceramics 20 years ago just before his 50th birthday and has been teaching in the visual arts ever since.

Now, Peter has launched his own business: Woburn Sands Clay. A quick glance at Peter's Instagram account, dedicated to his craftsmanship and pottery work on the show, reveals the support Peter has among the Milton Keynes community and his former students.

Peter had the following post on Instagram reflecting on his qualification for the grand final, saying: "At my age, this was a massive thing for me to do.

"To follow my dream, and put myself out there. To have the confidence to not allow my age be a reason to not strive for what I want and what I am passionate about. 2020 taught me more than any other year, life is too short to not do what you love. And I am so thrilled I did.

"My hope is that I can inspire others to believe in themselves you are all incredible and you can achieve anything you put your mind to."

Comments on his most recent posts are a mix of delight at Peter's progress and adoration of the pottery he's crafted.

Great Pottery Throwdown is a competition show sharing many of the characteristics and themes associated with other massive hits in the genre such as the Great British Bake Off. The 2021 edition and fourth season of the programme is hosted by Siobhan McSweeney with Keith Brymer and Rich Miller in the judges' chairs.

You can catch up on Peter's efforts and learn how he stormed through the series on All4 here ahead of Sunday's finale.