Pupils from two Trowbridge schools met stars from the Olympic Games as part of a creative art project.

Twelve students from Bellefield Primary School, and 12 from Longmeadow Primary School came together for the Olympics Art Project on Thursday.

They met Great Britain’s Beijing Olympics modern pentathlete Sam Weale and official Olympics artist Kevin Whitney.

The children produced Olympic-themed pieces of artwork, some of which will be selected for an exhibition in London, which was opened last year by London mayor Boris Johnson.

Former mayor of Bath, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, who set up the project six years ago, said: “The workshop provides the kids with a fantastic experience and there’s no other project quite like it.

“It really helps them to get creative and learn a lot about Greek mythology and the Olympics at the same time.”

Sportsman Mr Weale, who hopes to qualify for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympics, said: “It is such a good project that it should definitely be taken nationwide.

“Some of the kids might not know who I am but they see me in the Olympic tracksuit and it helps to inspire them to learn more about sport which can only be a good thing.”

Mr Whitney, who was first appointed as an Olympic artist in 1982, said: “The kids love the workshops because it is art they can relate to and they know about all of the heroes of the Olympics.

“They are real life guys who come into their classroom and meet them face to face.”

The artist draws athletes in his London-based studio and his work has been exhibited around the world, including most recently in Beijing.

Bellefield primary school pupil Kane Shord, nine, said: “It has been exciting to have the chance to meet Sam and to do some art. It has been fun to get out of school uniform.

“I would like to try swimming more and maybe take up archery.”

HSBC Bank in Fore Street, Trowbridge, sponsored the event to help cover the costs of art materials.

Wiltshire councillor Alan Macrae, portfolio holder for schools, attended the workshop. He said: “We are very grateful to HSBC because they have made the whole day possible. Hopefully it has inspired the children to take more interest in the Olympics.”