A SCULPTOR today (Friday, January 18) visited an academy to help develop a new sculpture for the new campus.

Graeme Hopper was at West Campus, North Durham Academy in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, where he joined pupils from its feeder primary schools for an art session.

The sculptor has been commissioned by North Durham Academy to develop a sculpture for the foyer of new campus.

A brainstorming session looked at ideas for the sculpture, as well as for door furniture– in particular the signage for the girls and boys toilets and handles and push plates for classroom doors.

Art teacher Joanne Tait said: “It is a new campus and we want a sculpture for the foyer with the theme of new beginnings or new start.

"The building is futuristic and we would like that to be reflected.”

The children taking part will be attending the school in the next (academic) year.

Mr Hopper, who is based in Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland said: “The academy has commissioned me to do quite a big piece for the foyer to portray the new academy.

“The children have come up with some great ideas and I will be taking those away with me to consider and work on.”

Mr Hopper was accompanied today by students from Northumbria University. Pupils from four primary schools - Bloemfontein, Dipton, Catchgate and Burnhope – are also working on banner designs for the new academy campus.