The delegates also visited a selection of craft studios and galleries in Ards, met with makers and learnt how crafts and creative industries are supported and encouraged in Ards, in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

The visit resulted from Ards Borough Council's involvement the 'Sustainable Crafts Networks' project which over the last two years has seen four local craft businesses learning from their European counterparts, exchanging ideas and best practice, developing both their creativity and their enterprise skills. Several local craftspeople, including glass-maker Karl Harron and Irene McBride from Discovery Glass, have already spent time in Finland, Spain and Italy as part of the partnership programme.

"The creative industries in Ards, and crafts in particular, have developed enormously in the last number of years and make significant contributions to our local economy," said Heather Parker, Craft Development Manager with Ards Borough Council.

"Harnessing the creative talent to grow viable and sustainable businesses is crucial. After all, without customers, you don't have a business, you have a hobby. That is why this kind of European exchange programme is so important. It expands horizons, allowing our local craft makers the chance to benefit from the experience of their counterparts in other countries, to share their own, to develop business skills and to explore markets beyond Northern Ireland and the UK. I'm delighted that we have had this opportunity for our programme partners to spend time in Ards and to see for themselves the strength of the creative talent and enterprise here".

The 'Sustainable Craft Networks' project is part of the Leonardo European Lifelong Learning programme.