A SPLASH of colour came to school this week when Miss Becky Griffin, aged 21, who lives in Darlington, spent several days with youngsters at Sacred Heart primary school in Northallerton, teaching art and painting murals.

She left behind some striking images on the reception classroom's walls, including one of the famous children's book character, the Hungry Caterpillar.

Miss Griffin, studying fashion and textile design at Northumbria university in Newcastle, has carried out similar artist in residence projects at schools and nurseries in Darlington and Coundon. But she had to charge family rates for her work at Sacred Heart - her father, Mr Peter Griffin, is the headmaster.

Miss Griffin said the work was very rewarding. "The best part is the response from the children, and I like to make places colourful. They really enjoy seeing me work and they say they all want to be artists now!"