A school's new art room has been opened by artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

It has been built at the Mowbray School, in Bedale, and will be used by the youngsters as a specialist art centre.

It was opened by Mr Thorpe in front of staff, students and governors on Thursday.

He has a long-standing relationship with the school where he has worked with pupils in the past.

Art teacher Linda Hall said: "He is just such an enabler and communicates wonderfully with the children, allowing them to understand art in a completely different way."

While he was there, Mr Thorpe discussed the possibility of starting a world tour with a visit to the Mowbray School.

Headteacher Jonathan Tearle said: "The artwork in this school was being taught in the woodwork room because of a lack of space, but now we have two beautiful teaching areas, art and woodwork, by building this extension.

"The children and the staff deserve a wonderful art room and it allows them to work in the right environment."