A MONTAGE of monarchs created by children across the town has been unveiled.

Nearly 200 pupils from five primary schools have contributed to the display, which is in the Brunel Centre, by creating a picture display of a kings and queens of the past.

Children from Southfield Junior School were crowned the overall winners, and Westlea Primary School, St Michaels Primary, Lethbridge Primary and Goddard Park Primary also took part.

Kerry Hunter, marketing supervisor for The Brunel, said: “The montage looks fantastic and all the children have done a wonderful job on their collages.

“They have chosen such a variety of monarchs and the colours and materials they’ve used really stand out on display.

“We’re very pleased that The Brunel has been able to work with so many talented youngsters and display their art in the centre for all of our shoppers to see.”

The schools were visited by illustrator and artist Charmain Lee-French who talked to them about the Queen’s reign over the last 60 years.

Charmain then worked with the children to produce a collage of their favourite king or queen out of recycled materials, including fabric, ribbon, buttons and sequins.

The montage was unveiled by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who will be appearing in Horrible Histories at the Wyvern Theatre.

Nicola Anderton, headteacher of Southfield Junior School, said: “We are very pleased to have been chosen as the overall winner.

“Charmain came for the whole day and worked with 60 children. They just got so much out of it, they were very enthusiastic.

“Having an artist for the day is just a fantastic opportunity.”

The school has won £100, which has been donated to the school council.

Southfield Junior School pupil Hollie Allison, nine, won an individual prize for her picture of Anne Boleyn.

“I used a pencil to sketch her out and then went over her in black pen and coloured some of her in.

“I used fluff for the sleeves and a bit in her head band,” she said.

“It took a couple of hours. I thought it looked a bit like her but I didn’t think I would win. I am very pleased to have won.”