Inspired by her son’s condition, a local teacher has set up an art project to raise money for charity.

Julia Rigby, an art teacher at St Hilda’s School, in Douglas Road, Harpenden, helped pupils with a blue-themed project to raise money and awareness for Diabetes UK.

Students created works of art based on the colour blue, which includes a mixture of canvasses, sculptures and paintings which went on display on November 17.

Julia’s 22-year-old son, Tim, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 17, is the inspiration behind the idea.

She said: “He is a keen cyclist and on the face of it, a fit, healthy, young man, but he has had his challenges.

“I want to use the event to educate people as well as raise money as I think it is a much-misunderstood condition.

Diabetes UK Eastern fundraiser, Teresa Strange, added: “We are so grateful to Julia for arranging this truly unique event.

“Not only will it hopefully raise money for us, but it is a really inspirational way of engaging with children at the school, their families and the whole community at large.”

In addition to showcasing the pupils’ work, local artists put pieces of art up for sale, including Julia, and a percentage of the money has been donated to the chosen charity.