SCHOOLCHILDREN in Lyme Regis have found a new appreciation for their historic surroundings.

Pupils at St Michael’s Primary School were encouraged to look at buildings in the town as part of a new art project.

They chose six well-known views of Lyme Regis and transformed them into 3D sculptures to decorate the front foyer of the school.

Every pupil in the school has had the chance to work on the installations, from building them to putting on the smallest details.

Year one and two teacher Natalie Townley, who is also art and design technology co-ordinator, said: “We asked all the classes the views that meant something to them and I worked out which was the most popular.

“As a school we are part of Lyme and Lyme is part of us, and that connection is very important. We wanted the children to remember why it’s important to them.”

The six chosen views were: Sundial Cottage, the Georgian cottages on Marine Parade, St Michael’s Parish Church, the Guildhall, Bell Cliff, and the Cobb buildings.

Lyme Regis artist Darrell Wakelam has been helping the children with the designs.

Over three days, pupils from years five and six built the sculptures, the youngest pupils developed texture and colours, and years three and four added all the details and finishing touches.

Mr Wakelam said: “We chose views that the kids recognise and they could look at the history of the areas. We have chosen views that haven’t changed much in 100 years so we could also look at old pictures.

“I wanted them to be architecturally interesting, they haven’t picked something that’s 1960s, they picked something that is old and has a lot of history.

“It’s getting them to look more closely at the things they walk past every day.”

Mr Wakelam has been impressed with the pupils’ enthusiasm.

He said: “Their group work is very good and they have just been very excited about it and about seeing the finished thing.

“It never ceases to amaze me how they manage to do quite complex things if you give them enough time and the right materials.”

Year four pupil Maddie Sawyer, nine, worked on the sculpture of the Cobb buildings. She said: “I like working with my friends and getting sticky and messy.

“I’ve learned that I can make art out of buildings and I can have fun with buildings and make them look effective.”

Chet Gillespie, also nine, worked on Sundial Cottage. He said: “My grandmother used to live there so that’s why I worked on it. I’ve liked working in groups.”