ART-LOVING pupils got creative on a supersized project to celebrate inspirational local people ahead of the Olympics.

Almost 60 students at St John’s Primary School in Weymouth got involved in The Giant Wall, an ‘Inspire Mark’ project which aims to create two huge permanent wall hangings of textile portraits for the borough.

Inspired by the 2012 Games and organised by local Artwey artists, hundreds of local people of all ages will contribute their mark on a lasting symbol of Dorset’s history.

Artwey artists Carol Cruick-shank and Olivia Nurrish organised the project and led the workshop at the school along with three other volunteers.

Mrs Cruickshank said: “Today has been great, these children have been prepared really well and have all chosen a person who is really special to them.

“Kids love to use their imagination and we’ve also been extending their ideas and skills.

“The project is going really well, we have over 125 panels done already, which is great and really exciting.”

Michelle Reid, year six teaching assistant, said: “The group of pupils from years five and six have really loved making their own portraits.

“They have all put a lot of effort into it and had some great ideas on which people to choose.

“It’s good for the children to do something a bit different, especially something that includes the whole community.”

Eli Kerr, arts coordinator at the school, said: “The school decided to get involved in this project because it’s a great opportunity for the children to work with local artists. The theme of inspirational local people ties in with our focus of the Olympic values.

“It’s something the children learn about in lessons as well as outside the classroom, such as in our Olympic Club.

“The club meets every week and researches things about the Games.”

She added: “It’s all about building the children up in integration in the community and the excitement ahead.”

All are welcome to get involved in the Giant Wall project.

Contact Carol Cruickshank on carol.neil@hotmail.co.uk to find out more.

• Charlotte Bilsland, aged 10, said: “I can’t wait to tell my mum about this – she’ll be so excited.

“I decided to do Enid Blyton because I really like the Famous Five.

“Painting is really fun. I enjoy it a lot and I don’t mind getting messy as long as it’s not on my school uniform.”

• Callum Tamayo, aged 11, said: “I chose my dad for my portrait because he’s really brave.

“He was in the navy and retired now but he still volunteers for beach rescue. He does get to fly the helicopters but doesn’t have one of his own.”

• Laura Hayward, aged 10, said: “I chose to do a painting of the Famous Five because it’s written by Enid Blyton and I saw it on TV and liked it a lot. It’s been lots of fun today.”