OVER 20 local primary and secondary schools took part in the first-ever St Albans and District Schools Art Exhibition held at the weekend.

The show, held at Francis Bacon School in Drakes Drive, St Albans, featured a mix of media including drawing, painting, textiles, installation art and photography.

It was arranged in conjunction with Creative St Albans – the group formed to boost the arts in the district – and funded by them. The aim was to demonstrate the talents of students at local schools.

The exhibition was voted such a success with a steady flow of visitors throughout the weekend and at the private view on Friday night that it has already been pencilled in to be held again next January.

Among the comments from local head teachers was one from Alan Gray, head of Sandringham, who described it as “fantastic” and demonstrating the talent in all schools in this part of Hertfordshire.

Emma Fenn, head of Abbey Primary School, said: “I was blown away with the variety and quality of artwork on display” and Matt Gautier, head of Francis Bacon, added: “An excellent idea and extremely well presented.”