SCHOOL grounds have been transformed into a piece of art to the delight of pupils.

St Peter and St Paul's RC Primary School in Bolton commissioned artist Wendy Moore to brighten up the grounds by painting a 47 ft mural on the wall creating an 'Adventure Highway'.

She said: "I started the mural while the children were on school holiday. The teachers had given me some ideas from the children and I looked at the books which they were reading in class.

"When they came back, they would come over at breaks and lunchtimes to watch. It was like having a little entourage.

"They would ask if I was adding this character and that character, I couldn't say no — I ended up including six or seven more characters more.

"It is the biggest I have done."

During her work, the artist would give children lessons in art techniques. She also designed a mural inside the school near the entrance.

She added: "Children would ask how I managed to make it look as if the animals were coming out of the wall. I would give them crash courses on how to get the 3D effect, and one time we all sat around on the floor using chalk. I am really chuffed with the mural.

"One of the teachers told me that when it was finished a child was walking alongside it talking to the animals — I want classes to come outside with cushions and sit near and let it stimulate children's imaginations so they can write their own stories on their favourite characters."

A grand unveiling of the mural took place just before the school holidays and anti-vandal paint means that it will be enjoyed by children for many years to come.

Children and their parents presented Mrs Moore with presents to show their appreciation.

A school spokesman said: "Wendy is a truly inspirational and wonderful woman who has enjoyed her time at St Peter and St Paul’s.

"The children have followed the journey with her".