A TALENTED ceramist from Malvern has received possibly the ultimate accolades available in his trade - a personal vote of thanks from the world’s leading porcelain expert Henry Sandon.

John Wilesmith, who grew up in Malvern and attended The Chase Technology College, has designed and created a figurine of Mr Sandon himself, showing him admiring a teapot from his famous collection.

After leaving The Chase Mr Wilesmith trained with Herefordshire Fine China and worked at Royal Worcester Porcelain before heading off to New Zealand and then Australia.

He now lives in Tasmania, but his brother-in-law recently presented Mr Sandon with the figurine at the Worcester Porcelain Museum.

On receiving the figurine, Mr Sandon, the resident expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, sent his personal thanks to Mr Wilesmith.

“It’s very jolly,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect as I unwrapped it, but the quality of the piece is first class and my wife says it looks like me, so it must!

“It’s clear that John has a very special talent and I’ve seen more of his work on his web site and I’m very impressed. I’m delighted that an ex-Royal Worcester Porcelain employee is doing so well and producing such excellent work – albeit 12,000 miles from the factory.”

Mr Wilesmith, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2001 that would have put an end to the creative career of many less determined people, now owns his own company Ceramipets, which specialises in ceramics for the tourist market.

He was delighted to find out his gift had been so well received.

“I’ve been a Henry Sandon fan for years and never miss a chance to watch the Antiques Roadshow when it’s on TV here in Australia,” he said. “Henry’s sense of humour and his boyish delight every time someone brings him another piece of porcelain to identify and value, make the show for me.

“When I heard that my brother-in-law was working with him, I decided to use a wet weekend creating something for him I hope he enjoys it for many years to come.”