Children show creative side

Youngsters created beastly books as part of a half-term activities workshop.

Five children aged 11 to 14 attended a workshop led by Mr Glyn Brewerton at Southwell Artspace, Westgate.

They made hardback books with animal themes that opened out to reveal the head, legs and arms of the creatures featured in their books.

The animals chosen included a frog, dragon, tiger and cat.

The gallery co-ordinator, Miss Frances Ashton, said the children had great fun designing and making their books.

“They decorated them using fake fur, eyes, and foam letters,” she said.

“They really let their imaginations run riot and seemed really pleased with the books.

“The idea was for them to take them home, write a story in them and illustrate them in their own time.

“It is important to give children something to do that allows them to use their imagination.

“A lot of parents don’t have time to sit down with their children and do activities like this.

“The children come to these sessions and make friends and it is something totally different to sitting in front of the television or computer.”

Southwell Artspace will run more workshops for children during the next half term in May.