CHILDREN at Rowde Academy got the chance to draw with a professional last week when botanical artist Ann Swan came to give a lesson on drawing a strawberry.

The Rowde based artist taught the reception class children about colour and texture before showing them how to draw the popular red fruit.

The children were then given paper and pencils and set to work on their drawings.

Sarah Bowler, whose son Austin was in the class, said: “The children were totally mesmerised by Ann and she gave them the inspiration to draw creative and completely individual designs.

“After she left, the children did not want to stop drawing their strawberries and were very particular to make sure that they were drawn correctly.”

Two of the reception class girls were made artists of the week at Rowde Academy with their drawings from the lesson.

Ms Swan, who runs regular workshops in her studio, also gave the school a signed copy of her book Botanical Painting with Coloured Pencils and a selection of art materials.

For more information about her work go to www.annswan.co.uk