AN Oxfordshire artist has helped a school celebrate its 40th anniversary with an art project.

James Ort, who runs the Phoenix Studio in Towersey, worked with pupils to create a piece of art for everyone to enjoy.

The artist spent six days with youngsters at Ashmead School in Buckinghamshire to prepare the piece for its 40th anniversary celebrations tomorrow.

Along with pupils he fired stacks of clay tiles that were then used to create a bigger picture on the wall of the school.

Mr Ort said: “It was important for every child to be involved in the project, and the teachers as well.

“This was no mean feat with more than 700 pupils.

“We decided that each participant would create or decorate a clay tile and together these would make up a bigger picture.”

The final work was a giant tree with roots, leaves and a flock of birds flying off it – inspired by the school’s motto.

It is displayed outside the school’s main entrance for visitors and pupils to enjoy.