A HAMPSHIRE hotel played host to an exhibition that aimed to showcase the skills of art students at a nearby school.

Work by 16 Year 11 pupils at Noadswood School, Dibden Purl-ieu, was on display at the Master Builder’s House Hotel, Buckler’s Hard, over the weekend.

Visitors were able to view about 30 pieces of GCSE artwork, including paintings and clay sculptures.

Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, opened the exhibition in front of an audience.

The riverside hotel is part of the 7,000-acre Beaulieu Estate and members of Lord Montagu’s family were among the guests.

A hotel spokesman said: “This was the first time these students had the opportunity to display their work in public.

“Artists and gallery owners were invited to the launch so they could talk to the pupils about their work and generally make it a special event.”