PUPILS from a Bridport school have been getting arty by designing a large mural which will be displayed outside the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI).

The 30 students from the Sir John Colfox Academy took part in a series of workshops in order to help create a large mural which will be used as hoardings outside the LSI, which is currently being renovated.

A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will support the art project which is being led by Crystal Johnson from the Bridport Area Development Trust, the organisation behind the LSI refurbishment, and graffiti artist Cleo Heard, who owns Miss *C’s Graffiti Academy.

Louise Burgess, head of the expressive arts faculty at the Sir John Colfox Academy, said: "The aim is that the mural will be developed using imagery which relates to young peoples’ ideas and understanding of Bridport and its history.

"During the workshop, Crystal and Cleo explained the brief to the students and led team building activities. Ideas and images relating to Bridport were then explored leading to lots of ideas for the mural being generated. Students then went on to learn and develop stencilling skills."

She added: "Feedback from the students on the day was very positive and all are looking forward to the follow on workshops taking place in November.

"Hosted again by the art department at The Sir John Colfox Academy students are excited to be working with the three primary schools that are part of the Minerva Learning Trust." It is hoped that the mural is opened next autumn.

The LSI is a Grade 2* listed building, which has been empty since 1997. It is currently on the national At Risk register. A £2m building contract was been awarded to RG Spiller who started work on site in August. It is estimated that the LSI building work will be completed by the autumn of 2017.