MORE than 150 pupils - some still in nursery age - have shown off their fledgling talents alongside more professional artists at a special exhibition.

Dave Gooderham

MORE than 150 pupils - some still in nursery age - have shown off their fledgling talents alongside more professional artists at a special exhibition.

The artistic skills of pupils from Cherry Trees School in Risby, near Bury St Edmunds, were shown off to the public during a two-day exhibition at the weekend.

Alongside the work of 180 youngsters, from nursery to Year Six age, all showcasing on canvas, more than 20 professional artists from East Anglia have also taken part.

Pam Winbolt , artist in residence, said: “All the children have been very excited by the fact that they are taking part in an exhibition alongside professional artists.

“Being a Montessori school, the arts is very important and it is amazing how proud they are of their work.”

The exhibition will raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and included a special preview evening on Friday attended by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Diana Hunt.

Anna Roberts, who teaches at the school and acts as its charity coordinator, said: “We raise money for a lot of charities and there are links with Marie Curie through the teachers knowing people who have been supported by the charity. Even most of the children know someone who has experienced cancer.”

Judith Hall, community fundraising manager for the charity, said: “We are very grateful to the participating artists who are donating 25% of their sales from the event to Marie Curie. We are delighted that Cherry Trees School are supporting the charity with a wonderful art exhibition.”