STUDENTS are drawing inspiration from the work of world famous artists as part of a new venture to explore the country’s painting collection.

One of LS Lowry’s paintings was brought into the King’s Academy, Middlesbrough, so that students could have a closer look at his painting The Old Town Hall and St Hilda's Church, in Middlesbrough.

Your Paintings: Masterpieces in Schools is a new venture, organised by the Public Catalogue Foundation (PCF) and supported by BBC Learning, to get famous works of art out of the nation’s galleries and into the classroom.

The aim of the scheme, led by contemporary British artists Bob and Roberta Smith and John Byrne, is to provide inspiration across a school’s curriculum, including art, English and drama.

The pupils, along with neighbouring school Hemlington Hall Primary, will be taking part in a range of interactive workshops, including preparing poetry based on their thoughts of the painting and creating their own works of art.

Mr Byrne said: “I am so looking forward to taking part in this project. I remember how important my art lessons were to me as a child, they inspired me to draw for the other children in the playground.”

Masterpieces in Schools will be taking place in primary and secondary schools across the UK until October 18.