The artistic talents of

two Keighley schools

have earned them each £250.

Steeton company IMS Response sponsored a schools competition for entries to Keighley Arts Factory's summer 'Communication' exhibition.

The winners - Whinburn Pupil Referral Unit and Stanbury Primary School - collected their cheques this week.

Judges were so impressed by Whinburn's entry, a mosaic on the theme of multi-cultural communication, that it may find a place in IMS's reception.

All the pupils contributed to the piece, which came about after studies of the Romans.

Teacher James Whittock believes art has a positive affect on disaffected youngsters.

He says: "It's excellent for lads who find it difficult to achieve in a conventional sense. Anything practical is generally a hit."

Stanbury's 'Message in a Bottle' collage after lessons themed on sending messages.

It was made by Kim Lister, Amy Narey, Susannah Wright and Chloe Murray, all aged nine to ten.

Chloe says: "We were told we had won on the last day of term.

"Our mouths just dropped as we were really surprised."

Both schools say they plan to spend the money on an artist-in-residence to assist in art lessons.