AN exhibition of artworks and writing by East Cleveland youngsters is being held today.

More than 50 children have been working with professional artists and writers to create two presentations, being staged at Village Arts, in Loftus.

The ten-week courses, involving primary and secondary schools, began in October and have been led by five tutors ranging from graphic designers to poets.

The results, produced by the children during after-school clubs as part of East Cleveland Education Action Zone's out of school hours learning, will be displayed throughout the Christmas holidays.

Bob Beagrie, a project coordinator for Cleveland Arts, said: "The courses have produced some very strong work. They have allowed the children an opportunity to work informally, out of school hours, with professional artists and writers.

"As well as putting on the exhibition, some of the poems have been included in the forthcoming anthology of children's poetry."

The workshops have been funded through the East Cleveland Action Zone, which runs a range of activities including sports and wildlife studies.

A new series of arts courses is due to begin in the second week of January