SCHOOLCHILDREN in Ramsbottom have been getting to grips with the art of sculpting after a stonemason came to visit.

Pupils from Woodhey High have been designing three welcome plaques as part of a joint art and science project.

Now they are taking the task one step further and carving the stones themselves with help from sculptor John Hargreaves.

Year 10 pupils each designed a plaque to reflect what the school stands for and three final designs were created.

The plaques, which will feature in the school entrance to welcome visitors, bring together ideas from every design, including the slogan “Where Dreams Can Grow”.

Mr Hargreaves, from Rossendale, was commissioned to carve the masterpieces but it was decided to let the children have a go.

He said: “This way they can see the design process from beginning to end and see how building work is really done. They are doing really well.”

Around 40 students at the school on Bolton Road West will take part over a period of about three weeks.

Liam McIntyre, aged 14, said: “It’s been good because we have never done anything like this before.”