PUPILS at St Mary's Girls School, Strabane were on the nature trail over the summer holidays, thanks to the Pushkin Trust Summer Camp.

The Pushkin Trust was established in 1987 by the Duchess of Abercorn and is aimed at helping children to release their creativity and imagination by providing them with opportunities to communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

This year, St Mary's Girls School were the only school in Northern Ireland to participate in the week long programme of activities.

During the activity week, pupils stayed at the Ulster American Folk Park, however most of the activities took place at the home of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, Baronscourt Estate.

On hand to help children maximise their creative energies was renowned story teller Liz Weir, environmentalist Gordon D'arcy, musician Bill Campbell and dramatist John Harding.

Commenting on the week of educational fun, principal of St Mary's Girls Primary School, Dympna McNamee said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for the children, the parents and ourselves as members of staff.

The project was very well organised and the standard of facilitation was excellent.

The work achieved by the children was of such a high standard and we were blessed with reasonable weather, which also helped to make the week a success," Miss McNamee said.

RIGHT: St Mary's Girls Primary School pupils get creative during the Pushkin Trust Summer Camp held at Baronscourt Estate recently.