A DURHAM college and a city restaurant have joined forces in a bid to give art and design students a taste of the real world.

Students at New College were given a brief to create a suitable piece of work to be displayed in the picturesque courtyard area of local restaurant Bistro 21.

The young artists were given eight weeks to research and develop ideas in art, craft and design for the project.

Bistro 21, at Aykley Heads, was formerly a farmhouse and following a three-year restoration programme was transformed into a classic French country bistro.

Not surprisingly, many of the students came up with a French theme for the project.

Restaurant manager Barry O'Leary has now been invited to a private viewing of the art work at the college.

Course leader Claire Wiltshire said: "The Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education Art and Design (AVCE) group this year is very lively and this project has helped them gain vital experience in working to deadlines and understanding client requirements.

She said over the years, students on the AVCE course had frequently been involved in client briefings, including at The Hancock Museum, Newcastle, and The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, Durham.

Many of the students who worked on the project have already secured university places in September, to study photography, interior design, fine art, fashion or art and design.

Anyone interested in the course is invited to attend an exhibition of work at New College on Thursday, between 5pm and 9pm, and on Friday, between 9am and 3pm, when course leaders will be on hand to offer advice and guidance.