CHAMPION potter Matthew Wilcock from Giggleswick says the response of his pupils has been the best outcome of him winning television's Great Pottery Throw Down.

Matthew, who teaches pottery at Giggleswick School – and always in a shirt and tie – was the first ever winner of the BBC2 series, which set out to find the best potter in the country.

And, after weeks of not being able to reveal he had actually won, his young pupils saw him claim the prized trophy in last week's final episode.

Matthew said: "It was a surprise – I didn't expect to win and wasn't prepared for it. Its a shame the whole thing had to end."

In the final episode, he and the three other finalists were set the challenge of producing a porcelain tea set, in addition to a number of other tasks.

The result had been a well-kept secret until the final episode, with only Matthew's parents, who were there for the final day's filming, knowing the outcome.

"A friend came round to the house and picked up the trophy and said it was nice, but there are lots of pots around the house, so thought nothing of it," said Matthew.

"It wasn't difficult not telling anyone, I just didn't talk about it."

His pupils and everyone at the school were as delighted as anyone with the result.

"They thought it was fantastic and really loved the programme, " he added.

Soon after filming for the series finished before the summer, Matthew took a break from his pottery to cycle to Morocco.

He started from Orkney and cycled every day for 22 days, covering arbout 108 miles a day.

"I've been cycling for a year and just wanted to do something different and something better than the Tour de France. I had my tent on the back and was completely unsupported," he said.

With temperatures reaching more than 40°C as he arrived in Spain, and he was having to drink 12 litres of water a day to keep hydrated.

He is not sure what he will do next, but is keen to continue teaching and cycling, and is pleased he has contributed to an upsurge in interest in pottery.

"I do hope there will be another series – that'll be down to the BBC – but I'd like to say they will do another one."