YEAR 11 art students at a Lydney school hosted a special art exhibition to celebrate the end of their studies.

Friends and family of pupils at The Dean Academy had the chance to look around sketch books, portraits, sculptures and landscapes all based on various themes.

Art teacher Mrs Kate Charles said: “The students were really keen to exhibit the work that they have created for their GCSE course. We had a really good turnout and there has been lots of positive feedback from parents.”

Art student Olivia Skipsey, whose work was exhibited, said: “I really love history and a lot of my work is built around this theme. My World War One poppy sculpture is based on ideas of identity and heritage; there are broken mirrors in the work which symbolises how the past can be reflected in the present.”

Kate de Selincourt, mother of exhibitor Rebecca Clarke, added: “The exhibition has been fabulous, there is an amazing amount of work here and there are some beautiful drawings. I have been blown away by the talent.”

Year Nine students made canapés and served refreshments for visitors.