IT WAS the dream job... make a model of yourself and hide a message inside it containing your secret wish.

The task proved irresistible as 3,000 school pupils in Blackburn with Darwen completed a massive feat of clay.

Their new model army -- looking like a mini version of the Terracotta Army in China -- has been attracting curious visitors to Blackburn Museum.

Marion Gradwell tried to pick out grandson Ryan's work of art and said: "It's wonderful. So much work has gone into it."

Ryan, nine, who goes to St Bartholomew's Primary School, Blackburn, said: "It's fantastic, but I can't see my model yet." His secret wish? He wouldn't say, but admitted that most boys his age have a favourite soccer star they would like to meet.

Rasheeda Esat, a 15-year-old pupil at Darwen Vale High School, said: "Seeing all the models like this is incredible." She's a pop fan, and was wishing on a star -- though she wouldn't reveal which one.

The exhibition, entitled Dreamers, could make the children, who are pupils at schools in Blackburn with Darwen's Education Action Zone (EAZ), record-breakers.

Lisa Bibby, project director with the EAZ, revealed: "We're very excited about the interest shown by schools, pupils and sponsors alike, and we have asked the Guinness Book of Records to find out for us if this is a record.

The model-making pupils -- who worked with teachers and Action Factory Community Arts -- came from Darwen Vale High School, Meadowhead Infant School, Meadowhead Junior, Avondale Primary, Lower Darwen Primary, St Andrew's CE Primary, St Bartholomew's CE Primary, St Cuthbert's CE Primary and St Aidan's CE Primary.

The project was supported by the year-long National Skills Festival, East Lancashire Education Business Partnership, North West Arts and Potclays UK, who provided all the materials. The display in on till February 21.

Mary Carley, EAZ corporate development manager, said: Taking part in an exhibition on this scale will also give pupils a great sense of achievement."

Education Actions Zones were introduced by the Government in 1997 to raise educational standards in urban areas.