ART received a royal seal of approval on Sunday when the Earl and Countess of Wessex met Shrewton youngsters, who were offered art as a way of combating village vandalism.

The royal couple presented certificates as the culmination of arts workshops set up by artist Charlie Barton after she noticed young people drifting into mischief in her home village.

"I am aware there are some troublemakers here," she said.

"I live opposite the church and my father is buried there, so I go back and forth.

"I was aware that young people hang around there and smoke and write graffiti and break stained-glass windows and so on.

"Children have such energy and it seems a shame that it's not channelled in a creative and constructive way - this was just destructive.

"Art is a wonderful way of accessing self-expression."

Ms Barton said many children suffered from the breakdown in communities and felt that facilities such as youth clubs were not for them.

She contacted several artist friends to find a way of inviting children to try art - and found instant enthusiasm.

The result was a series of workshops held in Shrewton Methodist hall and in the function room of the Plume of Feathers in Shrewton, attended by 36 children aged eight to 16.

With the help of artists Sarah Allen, Felix Baudenbauer and Michele Ricketts, who led felt-making, and photographer Shahriar Mazandi, the youngsters soon tapped into their creative talents.

The results were displayed in an exhibition at Bishopstrow House Hotel, near Warminster, where the Wessexes were special guests to view the work and meet the children and their families.

"I hope this is the start and that the community will pick up the project and carry on with it," said Ms Barton.

"The children have been so excited about it. Who knows, they might go on to become designers or architects."

She contacted the Wessexes, who are involved in the arts and in children's charities, and invited them to present certificates.

"They've been very enthusiastic," she said.

Helpers included Orch-eston thatcher Rob Harman, who made display stands for the exhibition.

"I've got a huge amount from this and the children have been amazing - they are a joy," Ms Barton said.

"It's too early to say whether this will lead to a reduction in the damage and trouble in the village.

"But this project means children can find something they enjoy doing. They don't have to just hang around."