Castle used as artists' backdrop

The scaffolding is being used as a metal canvas

Scaffolding used in the restoration of a Somerset castle is to become the backdrop for new pieces of art.

The large-scale paintings, by students at West Somerset Community college, will adorn the scaffolding at Dunster Castle over the summer.

Themed as "viewpoints", the works depict the teenagers' interpretations of the subconscious.

The students' artwork will be accompanied by information about the castle's paintings.

"This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for the students to display their work to a national and worldwide audience," said Jim Lee, learning officer for the castle.

"The college has brought a splash of surreal colour, imagery and intense, thought-provoking, comments to an otherwise prosaic metal canvas," he added.