The Art in Schools day, subsidised by The Heart of Art, was led by artist and poet Peter Swidrak, who brings with him a travelling gallery of famous works by 15 well-known artists to school.

The gallery pictures are poster sized, framed and displayed exhibition style on artist easels.

Classes take part in workshops and activities designed to stimulate their imaginations.

Children are encouraged to have fun and be creative.

The children spent a day in workshops with inks, oil patterns, tapestries, paper, clay and making masks and paper weaving aboriginal art work.

Headteacher Caroline Spencer told the Gazette: “This is the latest of our multi-cultural days, in the past we had Zimbabwean drumming workshops and next term we are holding a French day. We are really looking forward to that as the French teacher is coming from Caedmon and bringing some students from there and some from Whitby Community College.

“It’s really good for the children to forge links with the other schools.

“The children, who are all aged between five and 11, really enjoyed themselves.”

Peter Swidrak has worked with thousands of students from reception classes right up to sixth form colleges, on a whole series of projects to do with art, design and business concepts.

At the same time, Peter has developed his own business to include art exhibitions at events such as the BBC Good Homes Show and 2003 saw him open the Heart of Art Gallery.