CUBISM and gothic art are two of the themes being explored as part of a new project at a Melksham School.

Youngsters at George Ward School are spending weekends working with Amesbury-based artist Peter Watts.

The 18 pupils are incorporating four different periods of art into large panels which will become permanent fixtures in the school.

Governor Jean Lane said: "The fact that youngsters are willing to give up their Sundays to work on original art for their school is wonderful, and the fact that we have an artist to work with us makes it a really exciting venture."

The students are exploring future art and the Renaissance as well as cubism and gothic art as a part of the series of four one-day workshops.

The project is a joint venture between the school, West Wiltshire District Council and Melksham Rotary Club as part of the Participatory Arts Work- shop Scheme.

The scheme gives schools and other groups the opportunity to take part in subsidised workshops on a variety of art-based topics.

The range of workshops on offer include mural painting, book binding, sculpture, making musical instruments, puppet making and silk painting.

Each group has to contribute £25 towards the project, with the rest of the cost being covered by the district council. Kennet, North Wiltshire and Salisbury district councils also run PAWS schemes.

For more about PAWS in west Wiltshire call the district council on (01225) 776655.