A Hampshire school is making magic in lights thanks to a ‘grand’ prize from Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas.

Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu won a £1,000 prize for its art department, after a student's work was selected as the winning entry in the Christmas light trail attraction’s schools challenge.

It bagged the cash prize after Charlie Hudson's art design dazzled at the Light Up trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey during Christmas.

The prize, granted by Light Up Trails and the Arts and Humanities Research Council, was utilised to participate in the Light the South public art project in Southampton and Cowes.

The public art event, scheduled for July and August, will showcase 40 eight-foot lighthouse sculptures throughout the streets and public spaces of Southampton and Cowes.

Each lighthouse, decorated by artists for the Southampton Hospitals Charity, forms part of a family-friendly trail.

Noadswood is among the 40 schools and community groups that will be exhibiting mini lighthouses as part of the Little Lights initiative, starting from July 6.

Noadswood headteacher Kathryn Marshall said: "It was such a fantastic opportunity for our art students to become involved in Light the South, all funded by our prize money from Light Up Trails at Hilliers.

"We love our work with both Light Up Trails and Hilliers because it inspires creativity and upskills our students in working at scale."

She added: "Painting on a large circular surface was a challenge for the students to rise to, and they produced a stunning final piece. We couldn't be prouder.”

After exhibiting in the Light the South art trail, the lighthouses will be assembled in September for a final viewing before being auctioned off in aid of Southampton Children's Hospital.

Back for 2024, tickets are already selling fast for Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas with Peak and Off Peak prices frozen at last year’s rates.

The all-new light art trail will be open from Thursday, November 28 until Wednesday, January 1 with new festive features, a revamped route and updated food and drinks menu.

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