FROXFIELD school children have worked together to build a spectacular mosaic for their playground.

Every pupil at Froxfield Primary School had a hand in putting the piece together under the expert eye of artist Vicki Ostersen and her company Treefrog Art.

The mosaic, which will be on display in the school for years to come, was paid for in part by a £1,000 grant from East Hampshire District Councillor Nick Drew.

Secretary of State for Education and MP for East Hampshire Damian Hinds joined Cllr Drew at the school to see the work so far.

Mrs Ostersen, who oversaw the children’s work assisted by Louise Grimwood, said: “Making the mosaic gave the children the opportunity to learn new skills, handle new tools and to work with materials they would not usually use in primary schools. Collaborative projects encourage consideration for one another, and challenge children to think about how they can contribute to a group activity.”

Each East Hampshire district councillor has a budget of £4,500 to give to causes and organisations which support the community.

Cllr Drew, who is member for Froxfield and Stroud, said: “This has been a wonderful project which has given the children so many new challenges and new experiences and has left the school with a piece of artwork that generations of pupils here can enjoy. I am delighted to have been able to grant the scheme £1,000 from my councillor grants budget.”

Mr Hinds said: “It’s lovely to see this mosaic that the children themselves have had such a key hand in making. It really brings out the features of the school and reminds us of the essence of the school, which is about coming together and a love of learning.”

Froxfield Primary School headteacher Vickie Farrow said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity for the children to come together and work with Treefrog Art to produce this incredible mosaic. The whole process has been so valuable for all the children, from designing the mosaic to thinking about what symbolises the school for them.

“Having a lasting piece of art work, which will be on show in the playground for many years, will encourage a sense of achievement and pride in all the pupils and it will brighten up the school grounds for everyone.”

Community groups and voluntary organisations supporting communities can apply for a grant from the area’s ward councillor.