Young artists enjoy publicdebut for their efforts

Between 300-400 of the creative talents aged from four to 16 had items included in the biannual Bognor family of schools exhibition.

Last Wednesday'sfamily evening was the highlight of the three-day display on the upper floor of the Arena sports centre.

Hundreds of relatives packed into the area to join the children in viewing the colourful and eye-catching exhibits.

The techniques included weaving, cushion making, pop art, painting and drawing.

The idea of the show was to give a flavour of the activities, processes and materials used within the classrooms of The Glade, Michael Ayres, Laburnum Grove, Rose Green Infant and Junior, Nyewood CoE Infant and Junior schools and Bognor Regis Community College.

Among those with their work on show were five- year-olds Hannah Holt and Beth Pollard. Hannah said: 'It makes me feel happy to have my work here because it is the first exhibition I have been invited to do.'

Beth explained: 'I feel excited because everyone can see our work.'

Pride of place among the school's exhibits was a story tent on which they had woven different fabrics around a wooden frame.

Vikki Cripps, the schools' art co-ordinator, said: 'The children talk about themselves as artists and what they like doing. It is the first public exhibition they have been involved with.

'It really boosts their confidence to have their work on show and boosts the morale and support of their parents.'

Community college head of art Paula Fahy said: 'A lot of people have commented to me about how impressed they are with the quality of work.'

The exhibition was complemented by a display of technology work '“ textiles, design technology and graphics '“ by community college pupils.