A CHANCE encounter has led to an unlikely music project at Bardon Mill’s Errington Reay Pottery.

When Haydon Bridge musician Michael Freeman visited the historic business last month, he was simply seeking a salt-glazed pot for his garden.

But Michael, who has produced soundtracks for both the BBC and ITV, quickly discovered that different sounds could be made by drumming pots of different sizes.

Michael, who has a talent for making instruments out of recycled materials, re-visited Errington Reay for recording sessions both outside and inside one of the 135-year-old pottery’s kilns.

Work in the recording studio has included adding piano and guitar to the distinctive sound of the pots.

Further experimentation will be carried out, but Michael said the project could lead to a new CD being released.

He explained: “The sound of the salt-glaze pots is terrific. To sit and play them was a wonderful experience and I am delighted with the recordings I’ve got so far.

“The metal drums used in Africa today were derived from vases and other pottery with skins on. This is the same sort of thing.”

Michael has enjoyed working with Errington Reay manager Karl Jacques, who is also a keen musician.

Karl said: “Michael came in to buy pots, but noticed that each pot played a different note.

“He is a really good percussionist, and he was keen to come back, set the pots up in different places and see what could be achieved.”

Karl, who is guitar and mandolin player for local band Mr Jinx, said it was fascinating for staff and customers to see the pots put to a different use.

The pottery was founded in 1878 by William Reay and Robert Errington, and for many years specialised in clay sewerage pipes.

But following the advent of plastic pipes in the 1970s, it diversified to produce garden pots, which quickly became popular with clients from across the country.

Over the past two years, a visitor centre and art gallery have been opened at the pottery.