COMIC illustrator Frank Quitely helped these artistic youngsters put the finishing touches to their Commonwealth Games competition entries.

Frank, who has worked on X Men and Superman, gave some top tips to Hillhead Primary pupils in Glasgow who are taking part in a challenge to decorate the 2014 Common-wealth Games Athletes' Village. They were joined by mascot Clyde to get the contest off to a colourful start.

Frank, said: "This is a great opportunity for Scotland's young people to get involved in the Games and see their work being appreciated by the athletes.

"It is amazing the level of talent we have in our schools. Our children are more than capable of creating quality work that will impress the athletes."

Using the Commonwealth Games and its 17 sports as an inspiration, primary and secondary pupils are being asked to create artworks, with 6500 winning designs to be hung in the bedrooms of athletes and Games officials in the Athletes' Village.

The paintings and drawings will be gifted to the visitors as a souvenir of their time in Glasgow. The task is the first part of Game On Scotland, the official education programme for the Games.

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: "The legacy of the Games will be a renewed confidence in Scotland and this is a fantastic way of getting schools involved.

"We're hoping that athletes will get in touch with the young people who design the artwork in their bedroom to thank them, which will be part of helping Scotland's children develop a connection with the world."

Launched in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevem-berg joined Ms Robinson and Dr Alasdair Allan, minister for learning, science and Scotland's languages, to review some designs.

Game On Scotland will see a range of teaching resources made available to schools to help all pupils get involved in the Games.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk