A COMMUNITY project is using the run down parts of Duffryn High School in Newport as inspiration for art works which will then be displayed on site.

The school, which will find out today if its much-needed new teaching block will get planning permission, is working alongside creative education company Pyka to use things such as the sight of peeling paint in the school for art work inspiration.

Pyka, which has worked with several schools in and around Gwent, is also raising funds for Duffryn High School by asking art businesses and designers to donate money, alongside the setting up of a fund-raising web page.

The fund-raising which has been ongoing for several weeks now, has so far topped £1,315, aims to get Duffryn students to incorporate the run-down appearance of parts of the school into art work which can then be created and displayed at the school.

The money raised will also go towards bringing in Pyka for more digital art sessions.

A spokesman behind the project – called Duffryn Designers - said: “The money raised will be spent on materials, prints, course costs and basically making the project happen.

“To put it in a nutshell - the money raised will provide students with materials to make artwork.

“It’s giving them morale more than anything. We want this project to focus on the students in Duffryn High School.”

Pyka has previously worked with the school before and helped with projects such as building iOS apps for iPhones and iPads.

“Working on this project is great because it gives the control back to the pupils. Instead of sitting back and worrying about things beyond their control [within the school].

“They are responding in their own immensely positive, unique and creative way.”

Permission for the new block at the school was denied earlier this year as part of the plan to also create a Welsh-language school on the site after concerns from Natural Resources Wales around flood risk at the site.

The plans go back before the full council on Thursday ( May 19)

The school will carry on working with Pyka whatever the outcome of Thursday's meeting.

The company hopes to raise £5,000 by the end of the month to implement the art project.

For more information about go to www.indiegogo.com/projects/duffryn-designers.