THE first tenant's workshop has officially opened at Weyhill Fairground - Hampshire's newest craft centre.

Cherished China is Mandy Hobson's 'paint your own' pottery business and is the first of 11 purpose-built modern workshops to become business premises for craftmakers in the area.

The development by Penton Grafton Parish Council has retained the shape and character of the original fairground booths and surrounding cob walls of the fairground site, which dates back to the 13th century. Among the site's historic links is its place in the Thomas Hardy novel, Mayor of Casterbridge, where it featured as Weydon Priors.

Andover MP Sir George Young was on hand to officially open Mandy' business, which offers people the chance to decorate items of unglazed pottery, which is then professionally kiln-baked and gift-wrapped.