Photo exhibition puts looked after children in the frame

5.50.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th May 2007

Vivid photos snapped by looked after young people and their friends have gone on show in a new exhibition at the Richmond Council-run Orleans House Gallery.

Dozens of youngsters worked with professional photographer, Othello De'Souza-Hartley, to capture images of culture and leisure in Richmond upon Thames. Their work is now on display in the Leisure Times exhibition at the Twickenham gallery until 24 June and admission is free. The show is the result of the Council's innovative Culture for Keeps project which aims to get looked after children and young people involved in cultural activities.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure, said:??"The Council's Arts Service has an excellent track record in involving all sections of the community in creative and challenging cultural projects. This latest exhibition is exceptional. The photos are stunning and showcase both the youngsters' talents and the borough's top attractions, including Hampton Court, the river and Orleans House Gallery itself. We have made a commitment to boost opportunities for young people in Richmond upon Thames and pioneering projects such as this are central to our efforts. Congratulations to everyone who took part and I urge the public to make sure they visit Orleans House Gallery to see the show themselves."