A war correspondent turned artist was interviewed by Bookwell School pupils aiming to complete an art award.

Lowes Court Gallery's artist of the month for December, Kevin Weaver, from Frizington, spoke to students about his career, his art work and his inspirations.

The visit, which was part of the school's link with the gallery, gave the children an opportunity to meet and interview an artist and finish their Artsmark award.

"Before the children started their interview, Kevin told them a little about himself," said Pamela Pope, from Bookwell School. "The children were intrigued as they found out about his previous jobs: a teacher, a journalist in war zones and now an artist.

"They couldn't believe that someone with such an interesting past lived right on their doorstep in Frizington!"

The children asked questions they had pre-planned at school and looked through some of Mr Weaver's work. Their favourite picture was an oil painting of a poppy field with a ghostly figure in the background, inspired by the artist's days as a war journalist.

Speaking to the children, Mr Weaver said: "I like painting landscapes, to name the picture I often look at the surroundings and describe the mood. Painting calms me down and allows me to express my feelings."

The artist, who moved to the area from London a few years ago, used to be a freelance war correspondent for The Independent, The Guardian and the New Statesman.

Mrs Pope said: "Overall, the children found the visit interesting, educational and most of all inspiring. They can’t wait to get back to school and create their own art. Who knows, we might have some new budding artists emerging from Egremont in the near future!"

And Zack Mason, 10, said: "He has really inspired me to become an artist when I’m older; I hope that I can paint like that in a few years time!"