BUDDING milliners at Studley St Mary's C of E Junior School who took up the challenge of making hats had their creations displayed at Clotheshow 2001 this week.

Jane Beagrie, of Inkberrow Design Centre, has been sharing her hat-making expertise with Year 6 pupils as part of the school's technology curriculum, as well as allowing two teachers to participate in work at the centre.

The children have been shown how to 'block' hats and how to use cinnamay, a substance made from banana. They have also created hat decorations and were given the challenge of using recycled fleece materials to make simple hats suitable for cold weather sports.

The initiative forms part of the Technology Tree Project organised by the Engineering Employers' Federation.

This was supported by Warwickshire Education Business Partnership and the Science and Technology Regional Organisation to promote strong links between industry and education.