Dominic left art-broken

RUNNING out of time . . . Dominic Oakes needs your help

AN aspiring art teacher is appealing to Oldhamers to help him trace his lost NVQ artwork — before he has to hand it over to examiners next week.

Dominic Oakes (15), who is in his final year at Mossley Hollins High School, was looking forward to achieving high grades in his NVQ in art with plans to become an art teacher.

But the 15-year-old, of Esther Street, Greenacres, is worried that his dream could come to an abrupt end after he left vital pieces of his artwork on his schoolbus last Thursday.

And with just days left before he has to hand it over to markers, he is appealing to anyone who may have found his work to get in touch before it’s too late.

Dominic’s work was contained in a booklet format, which was inside an A3 folder.

Many of the pictures, which were also drawn on separate A4 pieces of paper in the folder.

They depict fairies and other figures from fantasy stories and are mainly in black and white with splashes of colour.

Dominic left the work on the 803 Stagecoach school bus at around 3.30pm last Thursday when he got off at Huddersfield Road.

Dominic’s grandmother, Janice Oakes (60), of Becket Meadows, Clarksfield, said: “Dominic’s beside himself with worry about all the hard work he has lost because this is crucial part of his course.

“It could really jeopardise his overall grade if he doesn’t get it handed in. He’s desperately hoping that someone picked it up and can return it to him.”

Anyone who may have found Dominic’s artwork is asked to phone Janice on 07894 457 814.


Pupils’ exam hopes hit as work stolen
PUPILS have been devastated by the theft of a computer containing their GCSE art and design coursework.

A scanner was also taken in the break-in at New Bridge Learning Centre, Fitton Hill, on Sunday.

It is the third theft in as many weeks at the centre which caters for pupils aged between 16 and 19 with special needs.

Art teacher Dawn Allison said that the loss could affect pupils’ grades because they do not have the time to re-do their work.

She appealed for the return of the computer and said: “It is just about getting their work back. The pupils were gutted really and they had to take their exam on Tuesday in the midst of this.

“I have spoken to the moderator. They can only mark what they view, although they might take the theft into consideration.

“It’s a big loss. They are not going to get the chance to do some of the work again. These are special needs children working really hard. I just hope someone has got a bit of a conscience.”

People with information should contact police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555111.