YOUNGSTERS with an eye for design saw their illustrations turned into soft toys as part of a project involving a Barnard Castle primary school and children’s illustrator Liz Million.
Liz came along to talk to pupils at Montalbo Primary about her work and career before leading a series of after-school clubs.
She was asked to work with youngsters to come up with characters that embodied the school’s values of “endeavour”, “collaborate” and “inspire”.
The project culminated when three winning illustrations were chosen and turned into soft toys by textile artist Emma Sayer.
Liz said it had been a lovely project to be involved in, with all children and their families given the chance to take part.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant. We had everything from tiny insects from the reception children through to deer and badgers and even a mole on a skateboard and a hedgehog superhero from the older ones.
“I was blown way with them,” she said.
“It has brought even more vibrancy and colour into school.”
This made choosing the three winners extremely difficult, she added.
When the lucky trio were presented with their soft toys, an exhibition featuring the children’s illustrations was held.
In addition, large posters highlighting the school’s values were also produced.
Headteacher Chris Minikin said: “The project has been exciting and our children and families had great fun working with Liz.
“It was interesting to find out more about the career of an author and illustrator as well as learn some new drawing techniques.
“The soft toys Emma created will form mascots for our weekly celebration assembly.”
The project was supported by grants of £500 from the neighbourhood budgets of each of the four Barnard Castle county councillors Richard Bell, Ted Henderson, James Rowlandson and George Richardson as well as the school’s friends group.
