PUPILS at a County Durham Infants school are happy to have their latest artwork described as a rubbish project.

For the young students at Ouston Infants School have been busy transforming discarded items into mini works of art.

The idea came to the school following a visit by the Chesters' Champions, an environmental team from Chester-le-Street District Council.

It inspired the youngsters to look at the whole theme of recycling and improving the environment.

And this week the school is holding an art week during which the pupils have been compiling sculptures and pictures made out of recycled items.

One class created sculptures from old cardboard boxes, while another used old newspapers to create a handmade tree - both projects reinforcing an important environmental message.

The children have also been working with local artist Steve Tomlinson and are preparing for visits later in the week from representatives from the new Sage Centre and the Forge - a Durham art project.

Headteacher Sheila Gallagher said the children had not only taken on the important message of recycling but had had a lot of fun.