Sweet success for artistic pupils

STUDENTS have transformed a dumping ground into a work of art they hope will inspire others to be creative.

Seven pupils from Royton’s Our Lady’s RC High School created a wall mural as part of a Skills for Working Life programme run by Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale.

The teenagers attended the 14-week course, which covered CV writing and interview techniques as well as a project with the aim of raising money to enable them to complete improvements within their school.

The group wanted to transform an area previously used as a dumping ground into a place where other students could seek creative inspiration and use daily.

They held a cake sale at Groundwork in the morning and in the afternoon washed the school buses, raising over £100, which paid for the materials needed to complete the project.

They then spent four hours producing a spraypainted wall mural that can be enjoyed by the whole school.

Art direction and support was given by urban artist Russell Meehan (28), from Old Trafford. He said: “It feels great to inspire positive change in young people that truly want to make a difference.”

Kaytie Marland (16), from Oldham, said: “I liked doing the cake sale because without the money we couldn’t have done the project. I loved the spray painting and the wall looks great.”

Cody Holmes (15), from Oldham, said: “I really enjoyed doing the mural because it was something fun and makes the school look better. I really want to do it again.”

Ash Hall, of Groundwork, said: “This whole project has been great. The young people have transformed what was once a dingy, unwelcoming area into a bright space, which can be used by the whole school.

“Our aim was to improve a small area that is overlooked by classrooms, consequently we created a piece of inspirational artwork that can be enjoyed by everyone. Every young person involved should be very proud of themselves.