The children of a primary school in Vauxhall have used their artistic talents to draw attention to air pollution and subsequent health issues.

Wyvil Primary School students collaborated with artist Linett Kamala and Mums for Lungs, a local parent group to create the artwork.

It highlighted the importance of clean air, particularly for children.

It was unveiled to celebrate the expansion of the Mayor’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), introduced last week on October 25.

The brightly coloured signage uses calligraffiti, a blend of calligraphy and graffiti to create a sign that has been hung on the outside of the school in South Lambeth Road.

The text was made from poems the children wrote about clean air and slogans created by the artist.

The school has levels of pollution far higher than those recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Wandsworth Times:

Mums for Lungs, a collection of volunteers and local parents, said: "Air pollution affects all of us, but particularly children, who breathe faster and deeper than adults, and are closer to car exhausts."

The children in Year 4 were already aware of the issues around air pollution.

One pupil said: "Lots of it comes from diesel cars and it’s really bad for our health." 

Another said: "I really like collaborating."

This work of art is part of the Ulez Art Trail, a series of art installations popping up around Lambeth, to draw attention to the invisible threat of air pollution.

When the ULEZ was introduced in Central London there was a reduction of Nitrogen Dioxide - mainly found in diesel engines - by 44 per cent.

The scheme covers the area between the North and South circulars and will reduce pollution for the 3.8 million people who live there.

Andrew Terrey, the head teacher said: "Like 98 per cent of schools in London, we have levels of pollution much higher than those recommended by the World Health Organisation, and are very keen to reduce the impact of this on the children in our school.

"This means we think it's important to support initiatives, like the Ulez, which reduce pollution levels, as well as to work with our school community to ensure they are aware of the dangers of air pollution."

Linett Kamala, the artist who worked with the children, was proud of the finished piece, and how the children’s poems helped form it.

She said: "I'm really concerned about the impact of air pollution on children's lungs, so was really happy to get involved with this collaboration.

"Art is a great way to initiate a conversation with children, and by hanging the art work on the school fence, facing the traffic, we have a chance of continuing that conversation with a different audience."

More information about Mums for Lungs can be found here.