BUDDING artists have been given tips by a professional.

Artist Tom McGuinness visited Barnard Castle School to offer his views as students exhibited their work in the art department.

The Bishop Auckland artist paid particular attention to the work of one of his relatives, Matthew Swan, from Cotherstone.

He said: "His work is very good. I would advise him just to draw - draw everything and anything. I'm sure he could paint professionally one day."

Matthew was one of three students receiving awards for his work. He was presented with vouchers for Darlington Art Shop by owner Ian Hughes for producing the best work at AS Level.

Boarder Vicky Barwood, 18, also received a prize for her A2 work and the GCSE award went to boarder Grace Wong.

Vicky intends to study a one-year foundation course in art before going to university.

She said: "I hope to make a career of it. I really couldn't do anything else but art - hopefully going into interior design."

Grace said: "For me, it is just a hobby and I really don't want to make it a job."

Art teacher Suzanne Cuthbertson said: "Whatever the students wanted to try, we encouraged them to have a go at it and I am really impressed with the standards.

"They have done very well this year."