PUPILS of Bishop Monkton CE Primary School, near Ripon, celebrated the end of a year-long arts project with an exhibition of their work in an art gallery.

The Hield Gallery in Bishop Monkton held the exhibition, entitled Inspiration in the Hield Gardens, just as it does with the work of established and well-known artists.

The show included a range of media including collage and ceramics, all inspired by the children's visits to the gallery over the last few months when they explored and discussed work on show and used the grounds to inspire their own art works.

Head teacher, Chris Duffield, said: "The children have been completely inspired by their contact with the Hield Gallery and produced some really exciting pieces of art work."

Mrs Duffield added that it had been a very positive experience and the school had been able to combine many elements of the curriculum in the project, such as science and language skills as well as art and design.

The gallery was established four years ago by ceramicist Unity Hield in memory of her late husband, Michael. It holds four exhibitions a year and aims to further links between art and the community through workshops and educational projects such as that with the school.

Mrs Hield said: "We have worked with Dr Denis Parrott, of University College, Northampton, who produced a guideline document for schools wishing to encourage pupils to explore their creative talents."

This used visits to the gallery as a basis for developing observational and perceptual skills.