A woman, who took up lacemaking at the age of 11, is the new tutor for a children s lace class in the town.

A woman, who took up lacemaking at the age of 11, is the new tutor for a children's lace class in the town.

Daphne Lee, 35, takes over from Wendy Williams, who led the classes for 10 years.

Lessons, subsidised by Honiton Lacemakers, are set to start at Allhallows Museum on September 12.

They will run from 8.30am to 10.30am during term time and the cost is �8 per term, with everything provided.

The museum is providing the venue for free.

Mrs Lee, a Honitonian who now lives in Somerset, was taught the traditional craft by world famous expert Pat Perryman.

Lessons were after school at Honiton Community College.

"People think of lacemaking as an old person's hobby, but it isn't," said Mrs Lee.

"It's not about making small motifs of flowers. The motifs can be of anything - even animals."

The museum is supporting the classes in a bid to give young people, aged from eight to 18, a chance to learn a creative skill and to engage with their heritage and the museum.

Honiton Lace has been made in the town for 400 years and everybody associated with the museum is keen to keep the tradition alive in the 21st century.

Further information about the classes is available from the museum on (01404) 44966. The museum is also keen to hear from people willing to donate lacemaking equipment.