SCHOOL pupils with a talent for art have been learning the skills required to cast sculptural works - under watchful eye of an acclaimed sculptor.

Key Stage 2 students from New Brancepeth Primary School in New Brancepeth, near Durham, were joined by children from St Margaret’s School, Durham, for a visited by sculptor Ailsa Magnus, who is completing public work of art for Durham’s Market Place.

Ms Magnus began by showing them aspects of the 40m long work called Time Line, to be set in the paving between the newly restored and repositioned statue of Lord Londonderry and St Nicholas Church.

Set in granite, with bronze inserts, the finished artwork will feature a stylised river and tree flowing through the line of time, capturing significant events in the history of Durham.

Ms Magnus said: "There is lot of casting work involved in the work and I showed them the process of creating a mould.

"Because today was the Chinese New Year and it is the Year of the Rabbit the children created moulds for rabbits which were made into tiles.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Ms Magnus’ work Time Line can visit her blog at ailsamagnus.blogspot.com.