STUDENTS learned the art of life drawing from an expert yesterday.

Durham Sixth Form Centre was the first school to be visited by an artist and model from the Royal Academy of Arts as part of the Yakult Outreach Programme.

Throughout the rest of the week, students at St Bede's and Hermitage Schools and Seaham School of Technology will also benefit from their experience.

Yesterday, sketch books were replaced by massive sheets of paper and charcoal as the young artists took to the floor for their drawings.

A spokesman for the national programme, which has involved more than 45,000 pupils since it began in 1989, said: "Discovery and creativity are the buzz words.

"The emphasis is not on creating the best picture, but rather on artistic growth and expression.

"Instead of replicating exactly what is in front of them, the pupils concentrate on the form and energy of the live model as he or she does an assortment of poses."