Arty pupils show their true colours.

A WHOLE school has put paint to paper for a professional art exhibition.

Around 450 pupils from Priors Mill C of E School in Billingham, from nursery and reception through to Year 6, took part in the exhibition.

The talented youngsters created a range of colourful, original artwork and, with help from local company, Images, each picture was then framed, given a price tag of pounds 6 and exhibited for two days in the school.

The proceeds from the exhibition will go to SPA (School Partnership Association).

The funds of SPA are all for the benefit of the children, for equipment, trips, Christmas parties, selection boxes and so on.

Each year group worked on a particular theme for the paintings, including my face, flowers, autumn, rainbow fish, under the sea, modern art and Aboriginal.

Proud head teacher Judith Duell said the paintings were being snapped up by pupils' parents and grandparents and would make ideal Christmas presents.

"The children have lots of enthusiasm for art already," she said. "I think the process of setting up an exhibition has given the pupils the lift to think their work is in an art gallery."

This year Priors Mill School was given an Artsmark award, which are given to schools that excel in art, dance, drama and music.

CAPTION(S):

ON DISPLAY: Katie Ward and her painting, above, and with her classmates and their work, below ART MASTER: Evan Thompson and his painting Pictures by IAN COOPER