CREATIVE graphic designers have been using their skills to help local charities and businesses.

Students at Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes have been doing work experience over the summer with Halton Haven’s events team and a publisher.

Kyle Knight, aged 20, produced artwork, including logos, flyers and posters to publicise fundraising activities.

Hannah Denny, hospice fundraising support officer, said: “Working with the college has enabled us to gain fresh ideas on how we can promote and market our events.

“It’s great to gain the input of talented students. We will definitely work with them again.”

Kyle, who completed an extended diploma in graphic design, is now studying for a foundation diploma in art and design.

Student Chris Bennett, aged 20, from Parker Street, Runcorn, worked as an intern at the Waterfront Magazine in Beaconsfield Road, Widnes.

He developed his skills on image editing, page layout and preparing advertisements.

Matthew Fairhurst, deputy editor of Waterfront Magazines Northwest Ltd, said: “Chris has worked with us as part of a design internship programme since November 2011.

“His duties were to work closely with the editorial team to uphold the magazine’s branding.

“Chris instantly showed an in-depth knowledge of the design programmes.”

Chris is about to start a BA Hons degree in visual effects and concept design at Staffordshire University.

David Lenderyou, graphic design tutor at Cronton Sixth Form, said: “Work experience creates fantastic opportunities for our students to produce real life design work.

“We ensure our students have the skills to progress straight into the working environment by training them to use the latest professional standard software, whilst developing their creative design skills.

“Graphic design is an excellent choice of career as it allows artistic expression whilst being able to earn a living.”