An artisan pottery and tearooms based near Debenham has welcomed a new boss.

Valerie Baldry is taking over the wheel at Carters of Suffolk and The Teapot Tearooms at Stonham Barns Park this month as previous joint-owner Mark Gillam retires.

The new managing director will work alongside existing business partner Alan Forward who owns the leisure park.

Valerie is originally from Essex but has lived in East Bergholt since 2009.

When the opportunity arose to join the company - whose teapots attract fans worldwide - she jumped at it, she said

Now she has plans to enhance the unique and quirky hand-painted teapot collection - which is sold in the UK, Europe and the throughout the USA - and grow the business.

"I have spent a great deal of my leisure time at Stonham Barns Park, an outstanding venue in Mid Suffolk that inspires creativity," she said.

"When the opportunity came up to join Carters of Suffolk – after a hugely enjoyable career in telecoms – I jumped at the chance to bring my experience to the team and see how I can help to enhance the business as it continues to grow and develop.

"Carters of Suffolk has a significant following of national and international buyers who appreciate the skill and creativity of the products.

"I am excited to see what new developments we can bring to the range in the years ahead.

"Tea is the one thing that will never go out of fashion – particularly with the increase in demand for afternoon teas – and so we have a bright and colourful future ahead.

"We just need to see where our Suffolk creativity takes us next."

Carters of Suffolk was founded in Debenham by Tony Carter and his late wife Anita. When Tony retired, the business was sold to its current owners at Stonham Barns Park.

New plans for the business that the new boss is considering include "experience visits" so that visitors can come and see how the teapots are made - from producing the teapots from the split moulding process using earthenware clay to decorating them using staged painting by artisan decorators.

Customers can already paint their own teapots at the pottery studio - drawing a range of customers including families, wedding parties, holidaymakers and clubs.

"These quirky teapots are so uplifting, " said Valerie. "So it is no surprise that they have a loyal following."

Cream teas, cakes and light lunches have been launched at the Teapot Tearooms, which serves hot and cold drinks. The autumn menu will include a pastries, muffins, warm soup and fresh baked rolls.

Valerie is also opening up an area for mothers and toddlers to get together while the children enjoy a book or play with the toys.

Each teapot - made into a variety of shapes including Agas, animals, cars and locomotives - takes about a week to produce. They are made in small quantities to make them collectable.

The pottery supplies department stores, museums, gift shops and tearooms around the UK and Europe, and online retailers including Wayfair and Etsy.