YOUNG artists and graphic designers helped to create a special piece of art for a windfarm’s operation centre.

Galloper offshore wind farm has commissioned Harwich and Dovercourt High School students to produce the contemporary artwork.

 The final work from a 15-strong team of 13 and 14-year-olds will hang in the reception at Galloper’s operations and maintenance base in Harwich for its 25-year life span.

David Meldrum, managing director of Sherbet Creative in Great Bardfield, is leading weekly after-school sessions that will see the artists digitally produce the 6ft x4ft piece.

 He said: “‘It’s fantastic to have been selected to work with the pupils at the school. We have already had a number of workshops and they are a wonderful and enthusiastic dream team to be creating art and design with.

“The pupils have embraced the creative techniques I’ve introduced to them, some of which were very new, with an open and committed approach.

“I’m looking forward to seeing their work both displayed at the Harwich Festival and the largescale piece at the operations base. It will be a credit to them and the art team at the school.”

Galloper funded the project as part of its ongoing work with the local community and schools.

Louise Craigie, director of art and innovation at Harwich and Dovercourt High School said: “Galloper has given the students the opportunity to work just as they would if they were freelance or working in a small agency.

“This is a genuine life-skill project that will add huge weight to their post-16 applications and their CVs.”

To begin the project, the artists met Kieron Drew, production manager at Galloper, who explained the growing role of renewable energy in the UK’s energy supply.

Mr Drew also detailed how the turbines spin to generate clean energy, students also saw where their work will be hung at the base foyer.

Before going on display, the artwork will form part of the summer Harwich Festival at the Harwich Heritage Centre in an exhibition that the students will curate and promote.