PUPILS from two schools on Portland teamed up for sea-themed fun and creative activities that culminated in a spectacular parade.

Youngsters from Grove Infant School and Southwell Primary School enjoyed an arts week with a difference, which encompassed visits to the beach, mask and costume making.

The children were shuttled between the two island schools via mini-bus as they enjoyed a vast array of fun, colourful and cultural events, including the creation of a sea mural and Chesil Beach-inspired photography.

Grove headteacher Jane Hurdiss said: “We had a joint arts week between the two schools, the children were mixed from both schools so they spent time at both sites – the mini bus ran between the two schools all week.

“They did a whole range of different activities, including creating a sea mural, making a giant octopus, costume-making and face painting.

“The children went to the Chesil Beach and made artistic forms out of natural materials which they took some really beautiful photographs of.

“They made a lot of masks and things to carry during a procession which was the culmination of the whole arts week.

“We had a really good time, the sun came out just in time for the procession and everyone said what a lovely colourful event it was.

“The children really enjoyed themselves and it was fantastic to visit Chesil Beach particularly.” The procession to showcase the work took place at Southwell Primary School on Friday before parents and teachers.

Pupils will be showing off their designs to the public later this summer on Saturday, July 9 at the Big Grove Summer Festival, which is part of the borough’s Spirit of the Sea Festival 2011.

Mrs Hurdiss added: “Most of the children will use the costumes again, some of the older ones from Southwell Primary School may also take part in the bigger Moving Tides children’s procession in Weymouth.

“The younger ones will join with the Big Grove’s mini Moving Tides procession on Portland.”

Find out more about the Big Grove Summer Festival online at grovefestival.co.uk.