YOUNGSTERS had fun learning art during outdoor workshops in Ilkley.

The art school with a difference was held in the beautiful setting of Middleton Woods.

The summer event was the first of its kind in Ilkley to be organised by Ilkley Arts and community arts business Sponge Tree.

Budding young artists explored their creativity with outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment in workshops run by Paula Taylor and Nicola Murray.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "This is a very empowering, fun and hands-on way to learn.

"The children explore different ideas each day to create sculptures using found objects from the woodland floor. Working individually and in groups they find materials and problem solve ways to create some extraordinary artwork. The children learn how to print using natural forms, make items with clay they collect themselves from the stream, explore colour by paying attention to their natural surroundings, mark-make with a variety of natural paintbrushes using clay and chalk paints they make themselves and making their own charcoal on a camp fire.

"Children have the freedom to play, for things to fall over, to break and not to work. The children learn to fix and rebuild, to keep going to make it work. These sessions are more than anything lots of fun and the children are encouraged to stand proud, explain and celebrate their incredible work with the group."

The sessions were captured by photographer Anna Nolan and will be presented as part of the Ilkley Art Trail in October.

Ilkley Arts chairwoman Sarah Thomas said: "Sponge Tree workshops are always a great addition to the Art Trail and this year Paula and Nicola running the Outdoor Art School sessions some during the Summer holidays has been a great addition. Their workshops always produce some wonderfully creative and interesting work and the kids absolutely love them."

This year the trail will take place from October 7 to 11, and the artists taking part will be announced shortly.

On its website Ilkley Arts says: "The Trail has become so successful because of the natural synergy and huge support it has had from local and regional artists, arts organisations and individuals and we count on that continuing support and interest in the future."

The group, which is in the process of becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, says it has a mission to bring art to a wider audience, locally and regionally.