The eye-catching artwork of youngsters from one secondary school in the borough has seen them crowned winners of a national competition.

The students, from Robert Clack School, on Gosfield Road, Dagenham, decorated the hoarding that now adorns the school’s Lymington Fields site while it is being redeveloped.

The two designs by the Dagenham school were based around two themes – the community and the importance of education.

Working in the evenings, pupils aged 11 to 14, painted the school’s motto – ‘for the brave, nothing is difficult’ at the centrepiece of a colourful montage that featured images depicting the youngsters love of art, science and sport. 

The other design featured clasping hands surrounded by coloured handprints from staff and students. 

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “This is a wonderful achievement and I’d like to congratulate the school and the pupils for their hard work and creativity.  

“The scheme is a fantastic way for youngsters to transform something that is plain and often walked past without anyone noticing, into an eye-catching mural that the entire community can enjoy.”

The school were one of 12 national winners in the national Ivor Goodsite’s hoarding competition, which was launched in 2013 as a way of allowing schools, colleges and community groups to transform building site hoardings into attractive murals. 

Steve Richardson, the school’s senior deputy headteacher, said: “The artwork is exemplary, and we are proud of our students many talents.”