YOUNGSTERS in Malmesbury and Sherston recycled old clothes to make weird and wacky costumes for a fashion show last Thursday.

Pupils from schools in Malmesbury and Sherston Young Craft Group worked with textile artist Heather Martin to produce a range of outfits from shorts to dresses.

The result was a startling and unconventiional series of designs which really impressed those at a special show at the school.

Ms Martin said: "There were some very wacky and weird designs. It was not really a fashion show. I don't think anybody would want to wear any of the costumes in public. They were more wearable pieces of art."

Art Walk was funded by an Art Council lottery grant and children from Malmesbury Primary School, Burton Hill House School and Malmesbury School took part.

The children all had to design the costumes and then cut, stitch and sew the old clothes bought from charity shops into their new form during their weekly sessions.

Parents came along to watch the students parade the results at the show, which unusually was staged to the accompaniment of music by Shostakovich.

Ms Martin said: "I think their work is really exciting and looks wonderful. They can feel really proud with what they have done. They worked hard and it been brought together to create a total effect."

An exhibition of selected costumes will be displayed at Malmesbury Library in May.