Two groups of year 4 children from Costessey Junior school were excitedly looking over designer Andy Larkin‘s shoulder at their recent visit to the offices of Hollinger Print. What they saw on his screen were the pictures they had drawn as part of their Viking storytelling project with the help of professional illustrator Ian Nettleton.

Supported by Creative Partnerships Norfolk 29 children have developed a storyline and illustrations for a comic book which will eventually be displayed as a giant frieze featured at the “Footprints” summer exhibition at the Castle Museum and Art Gallery Norwich. General Manager Mark Hollinger of Hollinger Print said: “We’ve very much enjoyed being involved with the project. The enthusiasm and interest shown by the children made it a very rewarding day for all involved.”

As part of their visit to the premises the children were shown how to put some digital finishing touches to their designs and got a hands-on experience of the printing processes and machines in the workshop. Hollinger general manager Mark Hollinger gave the children a very real experience by treating his “customers” to some drinks and nibbles and asking them to sign off their artwork before going to print.

Emmy, 8, who created a character called Ice Giant was delighted to direct and watch digital improvements to the figure on the big screen: “I want to do more, just doing more changes and use the computer”

“Seeing their own drawings turn into a comic book in the hands of professionals gives the children a tremendous sense of achievement” said teacher Tim PigneyJake, 7: When Ian first looked at my figure of the Fire Dragon he didn’t believe it was a kid’s drawing. That made me really happy and proud.”

Project co-ordinator Melissa Waters said: “It was great that Hollinger print offered to print the book but the fact that they have also opened the doors of their workshop and office to the children was just fantastic. I was not surprised that many little hands shot up when they were asked if they wanted to work at a print company later.”