Darlington students have brought a touch of Oriental splendour to the town to celebrate the launch of Japan 2001.

Twenty-two hand-painted tubular banners have been individually designed by students on the BTEC diploma in art and design course at Queen Elizabeth sixth form college.

They now adorn lamp-posts around the town centre, while student sculptures - ranging from kites to kimonos - are on show in the windows of Ottaker's books shop and the Art Shop.

It all leads to the college's key event, a three-week residency by Japanese artist Akinori Matsumoto.

Mrs Rita Smith, director of creative arts, said the artist had made a visit to Darlington council's Woodburn nursery to ensure getting ten 20ft-long tree trunks weighing several tonnes. They will be suspended by wires in a college gallery.

"I think the intention is to create a very tranquil Japanese forest garden - on the inside. I think it will be very special," said Mrs Smith.

Mr Matsumoto will be helped by students and the work will be unveiled at a reception to launch Japan 2001 on Monday, October 15. One North-East has sponsored the event to the tune of £1,000.

It will be the college's third Japanese artist in residence and the second to travel over from Tokyo.

"He can't speak very much English so a lot of Japanese wives are coming in from the community to help with translation," said Mrs Smith.

The 39 students on the course had a month's work during the summer holidays, researching all aspects of Japanese life. They had to prepare sketches for the banners for the start of term. They also had to produce ideas for a sculpture or artefact at least their own height.

Their images have been painted on to a special nylon material recommended by Harrison's of Darlington, which made the banners.

Mrs Smith is delighted with the outcome: "They are just so beautiful," she added.