STUDENTS produced examples of stunning Indian-style art to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Almost 90 students from the Arts University College at Bournemouth worked with two specialists in ‘Rangolies’.

They used rice, gravel, lentils and beans to create colourful designs and patterns to celebrate the annual festival, which began on Wednesday.

The 10 different Rangolies are in the graphics studio and in the courtyard – but they may not be visible for very long.

Principal Lecturer Kirsten Hardie said: “At the moment, because of the wind and rain, they are beginning to sprout.

“The rice and lentils are all puffing up and the designs look different every day.”

She added: “Some of them were inspired by traditional designs whilst others took a more contemporary spin - notably those created from paper within the studio.”

The work was done in one afternoon and evening by 88 first-year graphic design undergraduates.

They were helped by artists Michelle Clayton and Zoha Zokaei, from Southampton-based ArtsAsia, which promotes south Asian arts to a wider audience.

Diwali is known as the festival of lights because houses, shops and public places are decorated with earthenware oil lamps.

The five-day festival is celebrated with fireworks, gifts and family meals, and commemorates the triumph of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.