A 3D sculpture of children’s fairy tale character the Frog Prince is part of fun art projects at a south Durham school.

Youngsters at Kirk Merrington Primary School, in Spennymoor, have worked alongside artist Gemma Bell and Steve Marshall to create the sculpture which will be the first of many characters from well-known books.

The school has just achieved the Artsmark Silver award in recognition of its commitment to the arts and the creative curriculum.

Head teacher Helen Williams said: “The children are very excited about the creative work they are doing in the garden. They are taking ownership of every aspect of the garden with every new project undertaken.” The school also has a place in the final of the Northern Grid for Learning Awards with an animation based on the book Street Child by Bertie Doherty. Daniel Hardy, 10, from Kirk Merrington, has also reached the final of Northumbria in Bloom 2009 Children’s Painting Competition. Awards and certificates will be presented on Sunday at Gateshead Civic Centre.