STUDENTS at a Gwent college have added a splash of colour to their campus.

The vibrant seascape mural, featuring palm trees, boats and tropical animals, was painted on a rooftop terrace by students at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus with the help of Abergavenny artist Francis Baines.

Funded by the Big Lottery Project, the initiative began last month and aims to help independent living skills students to learn new skills in art and horticulture. Around £3,000 is being used to develop the rooftop terrace, which also features plants and vegetables. Future plans include creating a water feature, compost, plants and seating areas.

Tutor, Mary Bradfield said: "Students have really been able to get stuck in and make their mark at the campus with the mural. We hope it’ll brighten up our rooftop terrace, and that Coleg Gwent students and staff will be able to enjoy it for years to come. We’re very grateful to Francis for her work with the students."

An official unveiling of the rooftop terrace is planned for next year.