Art students were treated to a surprise masterclass from artist and print master Stanley Jones MBE while on a school trip.

Ilford Recorder: Alisha Blackford from Ursuline Academy testing out a printing wheel. Picture: Rose RussellAlisha Blackford from Ursuline Academy testing out a printing wheel. Picture: Rose Russell (Image: Archant)

Every year as part of their fine art class students from Ursuline Academy, in Morland Road, Ilford, visit Curwen Print Press in Cambridge to see print-making techniques from the industrial age.

This year they unexpectedly received a visit from Mr Jones, who lives in Woodford Green and has worked with artists such as David Hockney and Barbara Hepworth.

Mr Jones, who was honoured with an MBE in 2000 for "services to lithography", offered them sound advice about keeping the craft alive in an age of digital printing.

He told the girls once they've learned print-making it will stay with them forever.

Ilford Recorder: Lucy Fallon and Lara Cornelius from Ursuline Academy Ilford showing off their prints. Picture: Rose RussellLucy Fallon and Lara Cornelius from Ursuline Academy Ilford showing off their prints. Picture: Rose Russell (Image: Archant)

Raymond Butler, head of art at Ursuline, said: "The students were in awe of Mr Jones and his talk really opened up their eyes to the possibilities of print-making."

Ilford Recorder: Sophia Mcintosh with her print. Picture: Rose RussellSophia Mcintosh with her print. Picture: Rose Russell (Image: Archant)

Ilford Recorder: Chloe Rambuyon from Urusline Academy Ilford working on a print. Picture: Rose RussellChloe Rambuyon from Urusline Academy Ilford working on a print. Picture: Rose Russell (Image: Archant)