HEAVY snow didn't deter Philiphaugh's aspiring artists on Saturday.

Pupils from the Selkirk primary school recently completed a major arts project which was inspired by the environment.

And to celebrate the official opening of their nature-inspired installations they held a litter pick along the nearby banks of the Ettrick Water.

The planned celebration and clean-up had to be put on hold for an hour or so until the storm clouds past.

But a total of 31 pupils and parents still emerged to take part in the litter-pick - collecting a dozen bags of rubbish.

Artist Lara Greene, who helped organise Saturday's event, told us: "The weather was so bad no one was sure they would even get out to clean up the riverside so while they waited for the rain to ease they made amazing chocolate and banana scones."

The litter-pick was organised after pupils discovered discarded bottles and other plastic containers during research trips along the Ettrick Water for their artwork.

The Bannerfield Sculpture Project has led to many colourful artworks - made from Jesmonite and Pewter - being attached to walls in and around Philiphaugh Community School.

Lara added: "The event was to celebrate the culmination of the Bannerfield Sculpture Project.

"The children have been making amazing art about their local environment which addressed the issue of plastic pollution."

The school's depute head teacher Becca Mackenzie also braved Saturday's snow storms to take part in the litter pick and subsequent artwork unveiling.

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

It allowed Philiphaugh Community School to employ local artist Lara to deliver the project on Friday afternoons after school since last June.

Saturday's litter picking equipment was loaned by the Scottish Borders Council, who also collected the litter-filled bags on Monday.

Attempts are now being made to source additional funding for future art classes.