Prince Charles and the Duchess of Kent were seen as large as life at Heworth Community Centre last week (Thursday, November 29).

In fact, they were spotted rubbing shoulders with Ricky Tomlinson of TV's 'Royle Family' along with actor Ian McKellen and famous inventor George Stephenson who all came to life as Pam O'Brien, Burnholme community education coordinator, visited the 'Cartoon and Caricature Drawing' adult education class at Burnholme Community College.

New this year, the course has had a huge impact on developing the drawing skills of eight students between the ages of 45 and 77.

The course has even allowed for the topical with disgraced pop mogul Jonathan King and September 11 terrorist Mohamed Atta also satirised by the cartoonists.

Tutor Tim Morrison said, "I have had wonderful feedback from everyone on the course. One student told me it had given them a sense of liberation and another said they could only draw little houses for children before! After coming on the course people are amazed at the talent they discover in themselves."

The unique course started in September and finishes on Thursday (December 6) and is the first of its kind in the city. Students are taught the principles of face drawing before cartoon skills are implemented. Various drawing techniques are investigated and students are encouraged to develop their own style.

Known for providing courses with a difference, Burnholme Community College had recent success with its Scarf Tying course which attracted a full class of 14 women and some national media attention.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the next 'Caricature' course should contact Pam on 01904 416580 or telephone Future Prospects on 0800 834239 to find out about a variety of York Adult Education Courses starting in January.

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