AN artist can now proudly say her work is “rather splendid”, after receiving the royal stamp of approval.

The Westhoughton-based artist, Tracey Eastham, met the Queen when she officially opened the Co-operative’s new head office in Manchester.

It is where her pupil-inspired artwork hangs in One Angel Square, the address of the building, said to be the world’s greenest office.

The 30-year-old artist worked with Greater Manchester schoolchildren as part of The Co-operative’s Green Schools Revolution programme to look at the concepts of sustainability, community, co-operation and environ-ment.

She used their ideas and imagery for the 2.5 metre wide piece of artwork. She said: “I am delighted and proud to have taken part in this incredible project, which I never imagined would culminate in meeting the Queen.

“The creativity and imagination of the children is truly inspirational. Their ideas and images about environment, landscape and sustainability are captured within the finished piece.

“To have had the opportunity to inspire young minds to think about safeguarding our environ-ment, whilst developing their creativity, has been amazing.

“The whole experience has been an absolute honour to be a part of. I can now say that my work is “rather splendid”, accord-ing to the Queen herself.”

The Queen was in Manchester last month, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, to tour One Angel Square.

She then unveiled a plaque to mark the formal opening of the 14-storey building confirmed as the world’s most environmentally friendly.

The Co-operative’s Green Schools Revolution programme is available to all primary and secondary schools to inspire change in their schools, homes and local communities.

For details go to greenschools.coop