AT a workshop in the middle of war-torn Kabul the finishing touches are being put to a carpet designed by students of Wanstead High School.

Last term youngsters at the school in Redbridge Lane West were visited by volunteers from the charity Afghan Aid who run programmes that help young people in Afghanistan learn a trade and earn a living.

During a three-day project the students visited the Islamic galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and started to create their own designs.

More than 20 students took part and the winning design was then dispatched to the Afghan Action workshop in Kabul where the 6ft square carpet is now nearing completion.

Teacher Kate Bush said: “This was a really exciting project and I am so looking forward to receiving our carpet. We plan to display the carpet so that the local community can view the excellent work that our students have achieved.”

The students are now working out the best way to market the carpet which they hope to sell for at least £500 that will go to the charity.

• For further information, including how you can support Afghan Action go to afghanaction.com