ARTY youngsters from a Bromsgrove village brushed up on their painting technique with the help of a professional artist.

Pupils at Tardebigge First School, in Church Lane, welcomed Alison Ogle to their classes for five days.

The artist in residence took part in lessons and children produced observational drawings of the parish.

Many of their creations were used in a colourful mural painted by Alison, depicting views of the area.

It was completed last Friday and staff and pupils added their handprints to the painting inside the school's outdoor play barn.

Headteacher Sue Helps said: "Alison was fantastic and the children loved having classes with her. With support from the artist, staff and children have brightened up an area which was very bare and plain."

The scheme was funded by the Friends of Tardebigge, Bromsgrove Arts Council and Worcestershire Arts Council