THE manager of the Museum of Dartmoor Life was so impressed with the quality of work during a recent exhibition, he has expressed his keenness to forge even stronger ties with Okehampton Primary School.

The heroes of the First World War were remembered in a special exhibition of art by children of Okehampton Primary School. Originally due to finish today (Thursday), the museum and school have decided to extend the exhibition to run until December 4, Edwardian Evening, in the hope that as many people as possible will come and see the children's hard work.

The exhibition acknowledges the 100 year anniversary of the start of the war through a range of wonderful artistic creations, including a series of clay soldiers.

The pupils involved have been working on poetry and art, using 'We Are the Dead', a book of First World War art and poetry composed by those who took part in the conflict from all the countries involved.

The project was the brainchild of Jan Goffey, a museum volunteer.

Andrew Thompson, manager of the museum, said: 'The work the children have done is amazing. I hope it is one of many collaborations with the primary school.'

The Dartmoor Decorative and Fine Arts Society artist in residence, Louise Burrell, who is based at Okehampton Primary School, has been working with the Year 5 and Year 6 children to produce artwork highlighting the poetry messages from 'We are the Dead', using a wide variety of media.

Local artist Susan Eckles has also been working with the children to produce an army of soldiers in clay, with each soldier measuring just under a foot in height and wearing authentic uniform.

In addition to this, all the children from the school made poppies in remembrance for those who lost their lives in the Great War, made up into special wreaths for the exhibition.

There were further art and poetry workshops to accompany this work at the museum.

The project has been kindly funded by the DDFAS, who were keen to promote the arts for primary school children in the area. For more information call the museum on 01837 52295.