ART students celebrated their work in fine style during an award ceremony.

GCSE pupils at Commonweal School, in Old Town, gathered together in recognition of their hard work over the last year.

One of the awards, the Swindon Advertiser's Editor's Choice, was presented to Ellie Dewdney, from Old Town.

The 16-year-old, who plans to study at Cirencester College in September, painted a colourful portrait of her friend Kate O' Donohue.

"It took me 10 hours in total," said Ellie. "I think it's one of, if not the, best I've ever done.

"I wanted to focus on the eyes and a good way of doing this was through the glasses she wears.

"I'm really pleased with it and delighted to get this award."

Tara Parker, the head of art at Commonweal, said her students had produced some great pieces.

"They've come up with some great ideas and their works are of a very high standard," she said.

"The awards are to mark the completion of their GCSE course and they should be proud of what they have accomplished.

"This is a fantastic collection, which seems to get better year on year."

Artwork was displayed in corridors around the school located in The Mall.

The exhibition saw 86 students work put up on walls, as well as six contributions from teachers.

Swindon Mayor Steve Wakefield said: "I'm very impressed by the art I've seen.

"It shows children in Swindon are extremely talented and clearly committed to working hard and crafting their own ideas.

"I doubt you'll see better quality art work like this produced by youngsters anywhere else in the country."

The arts department, Inkspot art supplies and the Commonweal Parent Teacher Association also presented awards.

The dance hall was the venue for an exhibition from Ken White.

He is due to become a resident artist at the school and will be involved in workshops with pupils from October.

"The kids clearly have skill," he added.