A new art gallery has been created at a Bolton secondary school for its talented young artists to showcase their work.

Bolton St Catherine's Academy in Breightmet has created the new space with a special exhibition of  60 pieces of artwork, created by its pupils. 

Work to create an art gallery began last year, with the money raised from parents and teachers buying artworks, as well as funding from Travelodge, allowing the school to purchase more frames. 

A special opening was held with visitors being given the  opportunity to buy copies of the artwork.

The Bolton News: The school held an open event to display pupils' work on FridayThe school held an open event to display pupils' work on Friday (Image: Bolton St Catherine's Academy)

Samantha Cass, the headteacher's PA, said: "This is the second phase of the art gallery. The first one started last year, parents came and bought some artwork then, and that funded the second phase, so we now have 60 pieces of art in the gallery at the moment, compared to 30 before. 

"Samantha Melling, the head of art, has worked with pupils from primary through to secondary, and selected pieces of art pupils have completed to go into the gallery. 

"It is to celebrate our artists' achievements. We want to make sure that when pupils complete artwork, there is lots of value in it. 

The Bolton News: Staff members and pupils at the open eventStaff members and pupils at the open event (Image: Bolton St Catherine's Academy)

"They can see the artwork and be proud of their achievements, and see what it is like to have their work in a gallery." 

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The school is hoping to have a 'third phase', with another 30 pieces of artwork on display by summer. 

She added: "Families can come along and students can talk about their artwork and talk about the techniques they used. 

The Bolton News: Pupil with her artPupil with her art (Image: Bolton St Catherine's Academy)

"People purchase copies of the art, and it is nice for the pupils to see that someone liked their artwork so much. They are in staff offices and classrooms, and some staff have got it in their homes which is lovely. 

"Our second phase of art was made possible by one of our governors, who facilitated a project with Travelodge in Bolton, and through that we were able to receive funding to purchase frames. 

"Through that, the reception area has artwork as well, designed using watercolours based on the Travelodge colours and including famous Bolton landmarks, which look great."