MORE thans 500 students are now working with professional artists following exhibitions in Burnley galleries.

Since visiting Burnley Mechanics Theatre, in Manchester Road, last year, 587 students have been working with artists including Thea Soltau, Alan Birch and Talya Rochester, at Mid Pennine Gallery, Yorke Street.

As part of thePrince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts Start programme, they have been creating art in response to the contemporary visual art on show. Art forms range from dance to printmaking. The gallery sessions are followed up by artist led workshops in the classroom.

For more information about the work of Mid Pennine Arts visit www.midpenninearts.org.uk or call 01282 421986.