AN African visitor inspired children at a Barnard Castle school to produce some colourful artwork.

Montalbo Primary School was treated to a drumming and voice workshop by South African Raymond Otto earlier this year.

The visit helped to fire the imagination of the whole school, from nursery children up to year six pupils, resulting in the creation of an exhibition to show their artistic talents.

Deputy headteacher Gillian Gallagher said: "Based on the workshop, we chose Africa as our theme because we thought we could get lots of colour and patterns in our art from that."

The children produced a variety of artwork, including collages, paintings, mosaics and sculptures.

Mrs Gallagher said: "It has decorated the entire school and parents are now invited to look around at the wonderful work that is on display.

"They can have some refreshments, and it is just a way of sharing the expertise of the children"

The school is hoping to make the art exhibition an annual event, with a different culture or country for a theme each time.