A CELEBRATED illustrator drew on her talents to inspire students’ creative thinking and reward them for their efforts.

Hard-working Year 7 and 8 students from Haughton Academy, Darlington, were selected to take part in a special arts workshop with internationally renowned illustrator, Liz Million.

The Darlington artist, who is asked to illustrate anything from books to road signs all over the world, offered the students tips on how to draw characters.

“When you are little anything you draw is amazing and our parents are right to be encouraging,” she said. “When you get older you realise just how hard it is.

“I was good at drawing which meant I could do anything creative, from architecture to fashion design. I used to love rainy days as it meant I could stay in and draw.”

Ms Million told them how she went to school and college in Darlington before studying a degree in London. She began illustrating books and now completes a commissions.

Learning resources manager at The Education Village, Karen Fantarrow, said: “I’m delighted Liz has done so well and her success shows you don’t have to move away from the region to achieve your goals.”