A NEW sculpture will be unveiled at The Grays School Media Arts College.

The school' students created the artwork during workshops with atist Philip Melling.

He visited the school for three days, during Media Arts week, where students designed their sculpture, which is based on the theme of Media Arts, for which the school has Specialist Status. Students researched associated images and symbols then developed them into components for a sculpture design.

During the project Mr Melling also taught them to use metalworking equipment such as gas cutting torches and power tools.

Mr Melling said: "Each student made an individual piece of the artwork using traditional metalworking techniques as well as modern processes."

A spokesperson for the school said: "The Grays School are delighted to have the new sculpture, which represents their specialist subject, and are very proud of what their students have achieved."

The project was funded by sponsorship from local businesses; Active Electrical Systems, TICK Construction and Ray Smallcombe. The Jack Petchey Foundation and Grays Public Purposes and Recreational Charity also awarded generous grants.

Philip works with schools and Community groups across Essex, running workshops and creating artworks, which can be viewed at www.philipmelling.co.uk.