YOUNGSTERS from King William Street School have taken over the town's art gallery to display their first public exhibition.

And it is also the first time Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has shown work from an entire school.

The gallery is currently showcasing the work of 145 children from the Old Town school and the exhibition is open to the public until Saturday, June 30.

Pupils and parents attended the exhibition opening in the gallery on Friday.

Five classes of infant and junior school children produced portraits and self-portraits for the exhibition, which comes hot on the heels of the school having achieved Artsmark Silver Award status.

Artsmark is a national scheme managed by Arts Council England that recognises schools with a high level of provision in the arts.

"Activities like this art week at the gallery helped us get Artsmark," said King William Street's art co-ordinator Claire Jones.

"Artsmark is another feather in our cap.

"It means we are recognised as a good provider of art, dance, music and drama."

Pupils working with the museum and art gallery's casual education officer Elaine Bennett, based their own artwork on pictures from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art with sessions being held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

King William Street's Artsmark award is not the only recognition the school has had this year.

It was also given a glowing report from the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools just weeks after headteacher Steve Burrell's hard work was recognised by Ofsted.

For more information about the art collection and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery call Barbara Dixon on 01793 465334.