artwork by 50 talented teenagers is on display at one of Scotland's top museums.

The exhibition of painting, film-making, digital photography, printed textiles, jewellery and music is on show at Summerlee Museum, in Coatbridge.

All the works were inspired by the pupils' time in North Lanarkshire Council's annual Creative Residency programme.

Now in its ninth year, the programme offers senior pupils from the area's schools the opportunity to visit the Kilbowie Outdoor Centre, near Oban, for a week's intensive training in various creative disciplines.

With guidance from experienced tutors from top Scottish schools and colleges, the programme aims to allow pupils to develop their artistic skills and unleash their creative potential.

Suzanna Dwora- kowska, a budding photographer from Airdrie Academy, found the residency demanding but very worthwhile.

She said: "I thought it was an exaggeration when we were told we would be really tired after the week, but it wasn't.

"It was hard work but a great experience.

"The best things were being able to use professional equipment and having our tutor on hand to teach us techniques and help with any problems."

St Ambrose High pupil Rachel Agnew, who took part in the visual art strand of the residency, added: "I met lots of new people and got much closer to those I already knew.

"Being surrounded by others who had the same interests as me was brilliant. We really pushed each other on in our artwork."

John Weir, the programme's manager and a visual art tutor, emphasised the impact he feels the Creative Residency has on its participants.

He said: "The Creative Residency has been providing a unique experience in the creative arts for students since 1997.

"The residency has been, and hopefully will continue to be, a life-changing undertaking for many of North Lanarkshire's creative individuals.

"I personally will never tire of witnessing the positive impact this experience has had on the young people who have attended."

St Ambrose High pupil James McDonald added: "Being in Oban has truly inspired me."

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the exhibition, which runs at Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life, Coatbridge until Sunday, February 24. Admission is free.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk