PRIMARY pupils gazed in awe as a chainsaw artist carved up a totem pole based on their ideas.

Artist Mick Burns was the centre of attention at Felmores Primary School when he sliced, cut, carved and chopped up a piece of art right before children's eyes.

The Lincoln-based wood sculptor, who perfected his chainsaw skills after working as a forester and tree surgeon, visited the school last week.

Year 4 pupils from the school, in Davenants, Pitsea, have been designing totem poles this term based on a timeline.

Henry VIII was at the bottom, working up toimages of school life and finally future predictions at the top. Some of the best elements from the pupils' work were selected for Mr Burns to interpret into thepole, which is 3.2m high It will now go on display in the school grounds once it has been treated to protect it from the elements.

The visit was organised by Creative Partnerships, Thames Gateway, an organisation which allows youngsters across the country to work with creative and cultural organisations, businesses and individuals.

Jules Eastlea, communications project manager for Creative Partnerships, Thames Gateway, said: "The children were absolutely flabbergasted as they watched Mick at work. It was amazing to see him carve such intricate details using only a chainsaw."