PUPILS at seven schools within the Leigh Education Action Zone have been involved in an innovative arts and literacy project.

And their work can be seen in a major exhibition in the Derby Rooms at Leigh Library from July 4 to 11.

The arts exhibition features astonishing paintings by children from five of the schools -- St Thomas CE, Hindley Green Junior and Infants, Bickershaw CE Primary, Newton Westpark Junior and Infants, and Christ Church, Pennington.

Artist Bryan Edmondson, a former arts teacher at Bedford High School, worked with the children on the project alongside Leigh EAZ advisory teacher for literacy Michelle Silcock.

The writing produced by the youngsters ranged from poetry and diary entries to full-scale reporting.