Pickering artists Sally and Brian Tozer, who run ceramics workshops from their idyllic rural home, are fired up for a successful summer after receiving a £5,000 grant.

The couple were awarded the grant from Arts Council England, Yorkshire after receiving help and advice from the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Business Advice Agency (NYMAC) - a partner organisation of Business Link York and North Yorkshire that delivers Business Link services to companies in their early years of trading.

The money was used largely to fund a gas-fired kiln, which has a greater capacity and is faster than their existing electric and wood-fired kilns, making it more convenient for those who attend their weekly workshops as well as workshops for children during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.

It was also used to fund materials and computer equipment, enabling the Tozers to research other courses and artists on the Internet.

The grant followed a detailed application process overseen by NYMAC business adviser Frank Clarke, who helped the couple to develop a comprehensive business plan.

On his advice, Mrs Tozer also attended Business Link's Fit for Business courses in business planning, cash flow forecasting and marketing and advertising.

Mr Tozer said: "Frank was very thorough. He helped us to make sure the aims of the Arts Council were being met and that we had a robust business plan to support our application.

"We plan to increase the number of courses we offer and the new kiln will help us to cope with the increased numbers and scope of the work."

Having run a bed and breakfast for nearly 20 years, the Tozers are also able to offer residential workshops, so that ceramics enthusiasts can stay at their picturesque property overlooking the North Yorkshire Moors historic steam railway.

Updated: 11:24 Friday, July 30, 2004