STUDENTS from Newent Community School have been rattling the spray cans and practicing their street art skills, and they are getting praise instead of complaints.

They have also had expert advice on the proper time and place for street art.

Under the 'BARK' initiative, thirty one the school's year 9 and year 10 students have had the rare opportunity to express themselves by working with the professional street art and mural specialists, Paintsmiths of Bristol.

A school spokesman said: "It is a chance for students to make a bold statement about issues important to them, as well as developing new skills, self-esteem and teamwork.

"Jack Dones from Paintsmiths and the BARK team worked with our students to develop skills and ideas leading to nine large scale artworks which will be exhibited at the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst Lodge, throughout September."

The spokesman added: "Over the three one-day workshops students learned how to freehand spray with professional quality street art paints and how to design and cut multi-layered stencils. Jack also gave a really important talk, ‘Street-Art vs Vandalism’ emphasising the non-negotiable need for permission in all street art.

"We saw fantastic levels of engagement, collaboration and resilience from all students involved and we should be as proud of them as they already are of themselves. Feedback from students was very positive with challenging activities and a real sense of achievement at the core of the event."

The spokesman said: "We are already witnessing the benefit of new transferable art skills and growing confidence as students have been independently bringing their new skills into their GCSE Graphic Communication coursework".