A MILLENNIUM stone seat featuring a carving of a sheep has been created in a school's secret garden with the help of a well-known sculptor.

Before carving the seat, Mr Keith Alexander took juniors from Bowes school on a visit to the Bowes museum in Barnard Castle to look at the North Country quilts exhibition, to show them a traditional country craft. They then went on a guided tour of Dunhouse quarry in Staindrop to choose the blue and grey stone for the seat.

Back in school, Mr Alexander worked with the pupils to create large-scale collages inspired by the theme of gardening, which would form the basis of the design. A linoprint was also made, which is now hanging in the school.

Mr Alexander said it was fantastic to have the opportunity to involve pupils at every stage of the project as well as getting them enthusiastic about the making process.

"This is their seat and they should be proud of what they have created," he added.

Head teacher Mrs Sue Griffiths is delighted: "The secret garden has provided us with a project which has brought a number of artists into contact with the pupils. Keith's millennium seat is a lasting reminder of this valuable experience.