Pupils at Bury C of E school willingly gave up their free time to produce a 6ft by 4ft ceramic mural in memory of their former rector, Canon RegSmith. The four-panel mural depicting various aspects of school life took three months to complete and was a whole-school effort, designed by Years 7, 8 and 9, sculpted by Year 11 and glazed by Year 10. The project was directed by head of art Robert Kneale and Sue Goodwin from Bury Artists in Schools. Deputy head Kathy Leaver says that although the bulk of the work was done in lesson time, pupils were “very enthusiastic” and worked during lunchtimes and after school. By the time Canon Smith’s widow, Dorothea, unveiled the mural last month, the school was already feeling the benefits. Ms Leaver says: “Having everyone work together produced a fantastic sense of community.”

SNAPS BY Kathy Leaver

** One of the panels takes shape ** Light touch:Linzi, Year 11, works on the school badge ** Mrs Smith checks on work in progress with Year 11 pupils ** Designs, before being pricked through on to clay tablets ** We did that: admiring the results of their handiwork ** Year 7 pupils mark out designs at Bury Church ** A finished panel symbolising extra-curricular life ** All fired up: testing the final colours of the glazes