ASPIRING artists from around Bannerfield in Selkirk are marking the unveiling of their playground sculptures by cleaning up the neighbouring riverbanks.

The youngsters are organising and taking part in a community litter-pick to mark the new art-trail around Philiphaugh School being officially opened.

Since last June, the children have been meeting with local artist Lara Greene to create artwork inspired by the local scenery.

During the after-school project pupils went outdoors to be inspired by their surroundings.

But they also found a lot of litter along the banks of the Ettrick Water.

On Saturday, March 16, the youthful artists will lead a clean-up while also unveiling their sculptures.

Lara told us: “It has been really inspiring to work with these children making art with a lot of creative freedom.

"The project did have structure but also allowed a lot of experimentation with materials they would never normally be able to use due to cost.

“The children have had a lot of fun while gaining confidence in their own creativity and learning technical skills.

“I plan to seek further funding to continue delivering art projects in the area in collaboration with other creative professionals.”

Pupils incorporated some of the initial litter they found while out on inspiring field trips.

And have since been studying the effects of plastic pollution in the oceans and rivers.

The final sculptures are made from a coloured casting material called Jesmonite and Pewter and can be seen fixed to the exterior walls of the school.

Becca Mackenzie, Depute Headteacher at Philiphaugh, commented: “On behalf of Philiphaugh Community School and our families, I would like to say a huge thank you to Lara Greene for her enthusiasm, expertise and commitment to our children during her work on the Bannerfield Sculpture Project.

“The project evolved into a project focussing on the environment which has enriched the curriculum and helped the children to develop their understanding of their contributions and responsibilities in terms of sustainability and the environment.

“The sculptures have been mounted around the school building and look amazing.

"They have become a real talking point!

“The children who created them have an immense sense of pride in their work, which has been admired by the children, families and other adults who are visiting the school”.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the community clear up on March 16.

It will be an opportunity to learn more about the sculpture project and the children’s experiences.

After the clean-up there will be a celebration in the community centre with music and refreshments.

The Bannerfield Sculpture project was funded by Cashback for Communities through Creative Scotland’s Cashback for Creativity fund.

The litter pick will begin at the Philiphaugh community centre at 11am and will take just over an hour.

All equipment is provided but helpers are asked to bring their own gloves.

To find out more visit Facebook at Lara Greene Artist or The Bannerfield Sculpture Project Pages.