Students at Shipley College have had a whale of a time creating a piece of art to mask building work.

The art and design students were commissioned to produce a design which could be used on the hoardings surrounding the site of the new Wave office block in Otley Road.

Taking the name of the building as inspiration, the students came up with a water-based design topped off with a statue of a whale which looks as if it is surfacing out of the hoarding.

Rachel Heaton, spokesman for the property development company which commissioned the work, said she was impressed with the students' level of commitment to the project.

"All the ideas were very good and we particularly liked the diversity of ideas and themes. The final combination of waves, whales and water spouts will take some beating."

Yvonne Parr, course team leader, said the project was an excellent showcase for the students' abilities.

"It's been a tremendous opportunity for them to get involved with professional 'real life' clients and to experience deadlines and receive constructive feedback in a very competitive business."