BUDDING young artists will have their paintings on show alongside the masters of art this month.

The 'Fresh Perspectives: Art from Wirral Schools' opens on Saturday, February 9 and runs until April 7 at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight.

It will feature a range of almost 100 paintings, collages, and textiles created by year 10 pupils from Prenton High School, South Wirral High School, Wallasey School and Weatherhead High School.

Sandra Penketh, director of art galleries at National Museums Liverpool, said: "This exhibition provides a platform for young Wirral artists to show off their creations in of Europe’s finest art galleries.

"The Lady Lever boasts paintings by the likes of Constable, Gainsborough and Millais. So the students are in esteemed company. They can feel very proud of their achievements."

The exhibition is supported by Wirral-based Johnson Foundation, which supports the Lady Lever Art Gallery and educational projects for local children and young people.

Susan Lunt, art teacher at South Wirral High School, said: "We are delighted to exhibit the work of our talented year 10 pupils at the Lady Lever.

"The students are thrilled to have this fantastic opportunity to display their artwork in such a prestigious and internationally renowned art gallery."

And Simon Taylor, art teacher, Prenton High School for Girls said: "We are extremely proud to be part of the first Wirral schools' art exhibition at the Lady Lever Gallery.

"We were privileged to be asked to take part and feel it is a great honour for our students' artwork to be displayed alongside internationally renowned artists.

"As a Specialist Visual Arts College it has given us a wonderful opportunity to showcase a range of outstanding artwork from our students, and it is a great reward for all the hard work they have put in, that will hopefully inspire all our students to higher things.”

For more information visit http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever/