Children as young as four have been working with an environmental artist to create an Olympics-themed 'sculpture meadow' out of natural materials.

Norfolk artist Tim Willey is working with youngsters at Harleston Primary School to create athletes using natural and recyclable materials found around the grounds.

On Thursday, it was the turn of children in reception, who helped to make a set of Olympic rings out of willow woven into circles and decorated with recyclable materials.

Each year group is getting the chance to work with Dr Willey and, so far, children in Year 3 have made a javelin thrower, Year 4 have made a diving swimmer and Year 5 have created a discus thrower.

Headteacher Roger Walsh said: 'The children are gaining so much from this opportunity to get outside and work creatively with natural materials. The sculptures look great and it's wonderful to see the children creating their own 'sculpture meadow' on the school field.'

As part of the sculpture-making, Dr Willey takes the children for a walk around the school's woodland area looking for the right shapes of wood, highlighting the wonders of the natural environment. They then set about creating their sculptures using the materials they have found.

Meanwhile, the Olympics inspired two days of workshops at the school this week when pupils were given the opportunity to try out activities ranging from making medals to playing blind football, as well as cookery, drama, dance and artwork. An Olympic Camp Night which had been due to be held on the school grounds on Friday night was postponed to September after high winds were forecast.

On Wednesday and Thursday, June 20-21, pupils will be performing Fleeced, an adventure based around the story of Jason and the Argonauts, with an Olympics twist.

The school's sports day, family picnic and Olympic celebration will take place on Monday, June 25. It will feature eight Olympics-style events, an opening ceremony led by cheerleaders, dancers and gymnasts and a closing ceremony with the presentation of medals.

Then, the summer gala will take place on June 30, 11am-3pm, with an Olympics-themed flag-designing competition.