Primary schools on the ball for Platinum Jubilee

The arts development team at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has launched the project to decorate a giant rugby ball with designs from primary school children, with the ball taking pride of place in the town centre during the jubilee celebrations.

Children can contribute brightly coloured paintings and drawings celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's historic reign, with dozens of the designs decorating a six foot by four foot rugby ball sculpture.

The sculpture forms part of the Rugby's Got Balls project, launched to celebrate the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Five rugby ball sculptures went on display in various locations in the town centre, with schools, colleges, community organisations and local artists contributing to the designs.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee rugby ball looks set to replace the sculpture in the Swan Centre ahead of the four days of national events to celebrate the jubilee in June.

Paintings and drawings can be emailed to ragm@rugby.gov.uk, delivered to Rugby Visitor Centre or posted to Queen's Platinum Jubilee Schools Art Project, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Little Elborow Street, Rugby, CV21 3BZ.

Cllr Howard Roberts, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, said: "The Queen's Platinum Jubilee marks a historic milestone in Her Majesty's reign and we're all looking forward to celebrating the jubilee across the borough.

"Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's schools art project gives primary school children a fantastic opportunity to take part in the borough's celebrations and contribute to a unique tribute to Queen Elizabeth II from the proud home and birthplace of the game."