THIS is Newport as you've never seen it before - through the eyes of a promising new artist.

And Dale Shepherd, who produced this impressive, bird's-eye view of his home city, is just one of a number of budding painters, sculptors and designers at Newport's Bettws High School who have produced impressive work.

Pupils and staff in the art, design and technology departments are being singled out for their achievements.

Schools inspectors have nominated the design and technology (DT) department for a National Innovation award for the high standard of their work.

They were also impressed by the art department, which has been encouraging pupils to experiment in new mediums.

Budding artist Kyle Wheeler is one of those who has benefited from the school's creative facilities.

Kyle, 17, from Malpas, said: "I've just finished my AS-levels in art, design and technology, sociology and physics.

"I'm planning to drop physics but take A-levels in the other subjects. I would like to do an art degree at university and then do something creative as a career."

For his eight-hour art exam Kyle produced a large self-portrait using oil paints. He said: "I hadn't had any experience with oil paints before, but they are much more expressive to use than acrylics.

"The art department here is really excellent, anything you want to do they will make it happen."

Head of art Mary James said: "We are delighted by the high standard of work presented by the AS and A2 students this year.

"Their work is visually exciting, varied and challenging, with some students working on a large scale. "It is also thoughtful, with many complex themes, from social exclusion to how clothing reflects personality, being explored.

"We had an excellent inspection and I'm thrilled by the quality of the pupils' work this year, it really has been exceptional.

"We have had some very good individual talents but we have also developed new approaches to the work. "We've been trying to encourage the students to analyse the subjects they are dealing with more, and have had great results.

"We have also introduced oil paints, and this has encouraged a mature technique." Next week Bettws High School is running a series of open days. For more information call 01633 820100.