TWO art students have brought the ocean depths to a centre for children with special needs by creating a mural with a sea life theme.

Northallerton College art students Charlie Toothill, 19, and Karen Fenny, 17, spent hours of their spare time painting the mural at the children's centre on Brompton Road, a facility owned by the local primary care trust.

And after the success of their latest work, the pair are offering to produce murals for other community groups in the area.

Charlie said: "We like to have a project to get stuck into. We're looking for other people in the area who might want something similar."

The children's centre painting is a fantasy scene from beneath the sea, featuring an octopus, jelly fish, whale and a sunken treasure chest.

Staff member Hazel Lock said: "It's brilliant. Everybody just loves it, especially the children. It's on a stairwell and, as you come downstairs, it's like going under the sea."

Karen, who is studying for a GNVQ in art at the college, said: "It's all worth it when we see the children's faces."

Any local groups interested in having a mural painted should telephone (01677) 422879.