ARTISTIC youngsters have tested out their painting and drawing skills to celebrate the 175th anniversary of a school.

Children from across the borough gathered at Forest School in Snaresbrook to create a range of art work to mark the school's rich history.

The youngsters demonstrated their budding talents by using a variety of techniques to illustrate the each period - from its founding in 1834 through the two world wars to the present day.

Forest teacher George Paynter said: "We recreated scenes from both World War One and the bombing of the school in World War Two, as well as celebrating the school’s sporting and cultural achievements, and ended by creating a visual timeline of events bringing us up to the present day.

"Along the way we encouraged budding artists to explore their creativity and try out new art techniques, as well as brushing up on the School’s history.

"On arriving, one young visitor commented that he was 'spoilt for choice'.

"One of our slightly older visitors, Warden Sarah Kerr-Dineen, joined us to do a spot of finger painting.

Everyone had a tremendous time and we would like to thank all the children and parents who came along to participate in the 'Big Draw' and make it such a colourful occasion.

"We would also like to thank to Shirley Spanjar, and the Design and Technology Department for helping us with resources, and, of course, our very own multi-talented sixth form students who ran the numerous activities on the day."