A TRIBE of Indians has left Pickering, bound for a transatlantic adventure.

They're not heading into battle, though.

Consisting of full-size clay models and paintings, the group of 30 pieces, made by the hand of potter Brian Tozer, are set to go on display in either New York or Canada.

Brian, 56, and his wife, Sally, have been making the models for four years now, but it all began quite by accident.

When making a head as part of a garden ornament, Brian discovered it had the look of a native American Indian.

Then, after studying photos of the tribesmen, he noticed that a collection of Geronimo paintings and Hidatsu sculptures had gone on sale in a Pickering shop.

A chance meeting in a pub with an old friend, set to emigrate to Canada, launched the transatlantic trade.

"There is a great sense of achievement" said Brian, who lives in Rock Cottage, near Newbridge Quarry.

"I do the torsos and Sally works on the head-dresses and leather work.

"The teamwork works well. We both enjoy being creative, and the finished product makes it all worthwhile."

As well as the Indians, Brian and Sally produce a wide range of other products from their workshop, which is next door to their 200-year-old cottage.

A brothel in a doll's house, Egyptian gods, fountains, garden ornaments and pots are among the other creations.

As they are keen on recycling, an old caravan roof provided the metalwork for an armoured warrior, while recycled wood was put together to provide the dresser in their kitchen.

Married for 34 years, Brian and Sally currently have no local outlet for their work, but are keen to exhibit locally given the chance.

Sally, in particular, enjoys passing on the talent she has, teaching classes of both children and pensioners.

"It is a struggle financially sometimes," she said. "But you wouldn't be being true to yourself if you weren't to pursue this creative lifestyle.

"I like to have the opportunity to pass on my skills to others and let them gain the enjoyment I do from completing a piece".

Anyone who may have exhibition space in the local area should contact Sally on 01751 475323.

picture: ABOVE: One of the Indian warriors made by Brian and Sally Tozer LEFT: Brian Tozer at work in his Pickering workshop