Hotwells pupils inspired by Bristol's history

Children from Hotwells Primary School have been getting in touch with Bristol's water history by creating a collage to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Floating Harbour.

The Year 6 youngsters visited the Underfall Boatyard with visual artist Peter Milner and Bristol-based poet Ralph Hoyte.

They took photographs and wrote poetry inspired by the harbour's heritage, and their collage is on display in the central library's foyer throughout half term.

James Verel, 11, from Backwell, had his collage turned into a postcard, which can be picked up free at various city centre venues.

James said: "We had a tour around the Underfall Boatyard and learned about what the old machines were used for and how they worked.

"It was interesting to learn about what is right near our school, as I didn't know anything about it before."

Mr Hoyte has also written a new poem called The Floating Harbour, which reflects the different aspects of the harbour from the Albion dockyard to the ss Great Britain.