A PROJECT to encourage pupils to take more of an interest in art has been launched with the help of funding from the owners of a shopping centre.

Property company Land Securities Group, which owns Lewisham Shopping Centre, is backing a £3,000 project to introduce children from two schools in Deptford to art galleries in Lewisham borough.

St Stephen's Primary School, in Albyn Road, and Ashmead Primary School, in Ashmead Road, will take part in the Create-a-Quest project.

The project, organised by charity The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts, will involve giving pupils a tour of The Horniman Museum, London Road, Forest Hill.

They will also attend educational workshops at the museum when the new school term starts in September.

Foundation director Rebecca Eastmond said: "We would like to thank Land Securities for working with us.

"Its generosity and support has enabled many children to engage with the arts for the first time."