THE Italian Job has paid off for an artistic group of Bolton pupils after they were given the chance to go with the Flo' in one of the most scenic cities in the world.

For Year 10 and 11 Art and Design pupils from Farnworth's Harper Green School, where better to brush up on your painting skills in time for the GCSEs than the Italian Renaissance city of Florence?

Over the Easter Holidays the pupils were given the chance to do just that when they spent four days sketching and painting in the city that inspired some of the world's most famous artists.

Pam Ratcliffe, head of art, said the children had the chance to walk in the footsteps of Michaelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo -- the artists not the Ninja Turtles!

The tour inspired the pupils to produce artworks and photos for an exhibition at the school this week which has already caught the eye of one of the town's professional designers.

The school said Chris Fox, a designer with Farnworth-based textiles company Duvetex, was invited to the exhibition and is in discussion with the art department over the possibility of using the pupils' work for fabrics.

"He seemed particularly impressed, so we could have some budding designers in the making," said art teacher Sam Brain.

"The visit was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils. They had the chance to draw and paint in this beautiful city and all the work can go towards their Art GCSE." Picture perfect: Pupils show off their paintings of FlorenceRef: J1228/16 Daily sketch: The Harper Green pupils take in the ambience of Florence