A GIANT bird has flown its nest and is settling in to a new home at a Drakes Broughton school.

Last April four Midlands-based artists, with the help of St Barnabas First and Middle School, designed eight golden pheasants which were placed on trees at the National Trust-owned Croome Court, near Pershore.

During the creation process each artist spent a day with pupils from the school, incorporating the children’s ideas into their design of the birds.

As the exhibition has now come to an end the two-metre long birds, which feature colourful, historical references to Croome over the centuries, have been taken down.

But one of the birds, which is called the Gatekeeper, has been gifted to the school for the youngsters who helped artist James Birkin design it.

“We had so much fun working with the pupils of St Barnabas School and the artists, who interpreted their imaginations,” said Clare Harris, Croome’s creative producer.

“Through this project we were able to create a playful experience which engaged the local community and families whilst providing a new platform for new Midlands-based artists.

"In effect, we were able to create bird watching on a grand scale."

Stephen Booth, from St Barnabas, said: "Staff and students here at the school welcomed home one of the Croome Birds after 18 months of being on display at Croome.

"Year six students worked with a group of local artists to design a number of bird models that have been on display in various locations at Croome.”

For more information on Croome and it's opening times, call 01905 371006 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome.