PUPILS are enjoying their artwork in a newly-opened studio at a Teesside school.

Following a year of negotiating funds and a further year of construction, the £6,500 art studio at Whinney Banks Junior School, Middlesbrough, has finally been unveiled. Aimed at improving the standard of art teaching, the facility has been created by knocking together two classrooms to give a purpose-designed space. It has been decorated by work produced by pupils with the help of a professional artist, including sculptures based on Greek mythology.

Acting head Pat Stewart said: "It's a lovely space, and a sign of our commitment to the arts."