It takes a professional Aardman model maker a whole day to make a four-inch high Gromit to be animated in a film.

Those taking part in the twice-weekly workshops at At-Bristol have only an hour to make their creations, but these are still made under the skilful eye of an Aardman pro, who makes rolling a small piece of plasticine between palms look ridiculously easy.

“And mash it together,” was Will’s favourite saying as I took part in a model making session yesterday with my young daughter.

He then implored us to transform the four colours of plasticine in front of us into peas (not petits pois), Maltesers and pear shapes.

Suffice to say, my own attempt at Nick Park’s creation resembled a rather worse the wear Gromit after a night on the tiles, with wonky eyes and unstable feet.

But it was great fun – even though I won’t be getting a job in the model making department at Aardman any time soon.

Workshops cost £3 in addition to the At-Bristol entry cost. The remaining workshops take place on August 17, 24, 25, 29 and 31 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

For more information, visit www.at-bristol.org.uk/1800.