Ref. 29456-41Pupils from Hreod Parkway School have been getting fishy in the name of art.

Artistic youngsters started work on an underwater themed mobile, which will take pride of place in the children's ward at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

The 12 and 13-year-olds, joined by seven young people from the ward, started their creation by fashioning sea creatures out of clay.

Hreod pupil Tom Asprey, 13, of Woodhall Park, said: "We have made jellyfish and fish, as well as bubbles to make it look like they are breathing.

"We'll glaze them and then hang them up with wire at the end. It's good fun."

Fellow pupil Charlotte Wallace, 12, of Haydon Wick, said: "I've made a jellyfish with big cartoon eyes. It makes a change from normal art classes and it's good to meet the children from the hospital."

Jessica Cattle, 13, is one of the children with a long term illness who is taught at the hospital.

She said: "I have ME so I get really tired. I've been off for a couple of years and I do miss Warneford School a bit. Lessons here though give me everything I need. They don't push me too much, which is good.

"This art lesson is good fun. It makes a really nice change."

Megan Brown, the teacher in charge of hospital and home education service, said: "Children with long term illnesses can feel very isolated. Links with schools, such as this, really help keep them in with mainstream schools."