A Keighley school is taking part in a three-year partnership programme with the National Trust and house builder Redrow.

Oakbank School students -- together with pupils from Moorlands Preparatory School in Leeds -- are tackling a range of curriculum-based activities at East Riddlesden Hall.

The venture is part of a national scheme being supported by Arts & Business, an organisation devoted to developing effective ways for the two sectors to work together.

Schools across the country are exchanging ideas and experiences through a series of sessions, led by professional artists and National Trust education staff.

Oakbank and Moorlands pupils have visited East Riddlesden Hall to develop their artistic skills and increase their understanding of the 17th-century property.

The youngsters are working together on silk printing, using designs and patterns from the hall.

And future workshops will include studies of the windows, the creation of patterns and shapes based on intricate designs, and learning about the conservation of historic objects.

Laura Hetherington, for the National Trust, said: "This partnership scheme is a vital part of our young people, community and education programme.

"Thanks to Redrow, students will learn about the trust's work, the environment and conservation, while forming positive links with a school from a contrasting background.

"Experience from previous partnership schemes such as this has shown that schools continue to work together and develop a sense of 'ownership' and link with the property with which they worked."

Mark Leigh, managing director of Redrow Homes (Yorkshire), said: "The Redrow Schools Partnership has a number of important aims, including supporting the national curriculum with stimulating arts activities and encouraging new audiences to the arts and heritage sector.

"In addition to building thousands of new homes every year all over the UK, Redrow has a strong track record of positive involvement in community and environmental projects, and this programme promises to be one of the most rewarding to date.

"The variety of work being undertaken at National Trust properties as part of this initiative never ceases to amaze us, nor does the enthusiasm, talent and creativity of the young people involved.

"The project being undertaken at East Riddlesden Hall is a prime example."

Oakbank School pupils Naomi Forster and Terri Leigh perform fine artistry on silk as part of the Redrow Schools Partnership at East Riddlesden Hall