SECURITY printer De La Rue has been presented with a series of paintings by sixth-form students to thank the company for helping their school gain arts college status last year.

De La Rue Security Products in Coates Lane, High Wycombe, was one of the major sponsors of Sir William Ramsey School's bid to become a special visual arts college. The company declined to put a figure on how much it donated. The school, in Tylers Green, needed to raise £100,000 to match Government funding.

The ten paintings, each around eight feet high, illustrate the international presence of De La Rue and some of the work carried out by the High Wycombe factory.

They are hung at intervals along the corridors of the factory floor.

Hugh Bevan, design director at De La Rue security, said: "We were wholeheartedly behind the school. It is a very good thing to be involved with, to bring on other designers and artists.

"All the paintings are connected with the work of De La Rue and they brighten up the place."

Sue Darke, arts college co-ordinator, said since the school had received its funding it had been able to improve its facilities greatly.