MALMESBURY School hopes to prove art can change lives over the next few weeks.

A painting by teacher Barry Gustard is being put up for auction to raise money for a visit by seven students from Malmesbury South Africa this summer.

The trip will be a dream come true for some of the youngsters who come from the poorest sections of the community and it follows a hugely successful visit last summer by 10 of students.

Deputy head Margaret Sutherland told the Standard: "We couldn’t afford 10 this year. The price of flights is too high. So we have had to reduce numbers, which is a real shame. But we want to keep the link going. For these students it is a huge deal."

She said that that was demonstrated when town councillor Ray Sanderson was visiting a township near Malmesbury SA last month.

Out of the blue a beaming youth ran up and hugged him. It was student who had made the visit last year and who declared it had changed his life.

She and art teacher Mr Gustard came up with the sealed bid auction idea at a recent creative arts evening and he chose a picture he had painted after a visit to North Africa.

He said: "It was just something bright and colourful."

It is not the first time one of his works has been auctioned.

"I’m an art teacher who practises his art. I think it is important to do what you teach."

He said: "We are not putting a figure on it. We are just going to see how it goes and if it works well maybe we will do it again."

The painting will go on display in the high street and bidders can send their sealed offers, including contact details, to Mrs Sutherland at the school in Corn Gastons.

The winner will be announced on June 5.