A 74-year-old artist, who graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) this year is hoping her inventive ceramics will take off.

Pat Allouis was inspired to make easy-to-use plates and cups after son, Jehan, now 44, was born with brain damage which left him disabled and struggling to feed himself.

"It used to upset me when I saw people who, because they were disabled, struggled to use everyday plates and cups," said Mrs Allouis, from Garstang.

The mother-of-two has designed penguin cups which have big fins to grab hold of and the beak acts as a spout to prevent spillages. But she wanted to keep the details of the designs under wraps for fear of someone stealing her ideas. Now she hopes manufacturers will pick up her ideas.

Mrs Allouis has painted and sculpted for many years. One of her works, a head sculpture, is currently featured at the Harris Museum in its Open Art Exhibition. She has had pieces in the exhibition since 1974 and has even featured her daughter, Elizabeth, 48.

"I painted her and then when the exhibition opened she wore the same outfit and it was a lovely touch," she said. "I love all the creative work I do and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it and to be able to help people with my designs is very satisfying indeed."