Delia Derbyshire honoured in art contest

Andy Serkis joined the winners of the Gallery of Living History Schools Competition on stage

Musician Delia Derbyshire has been celebrated by a local school in a contest recognising community heroes.

Pupils from Blue Coat School in Coventry submitted a soundscape honouring the electronic music composer, which won this year's Gallery of Living History Schools Competition.

The British musician is best known for her electronic arrangement of the theme music to Doctor Who.

The winning design will be installed in the base of the Tree of Hands statue in Starley Gardens, opposite Coventry University’s newly opened Delia Derbyshire building.

The contest, supported by Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis and Coventry University, invites schools to celebrate a community hero by designing a visual soundscape telling their story.

The winning entry from Blue Coat School students was unveiled during a special ceremony at the Delia Derbyshire building.

Coventry University Chancellor Margaret Casely Hayford said: "I’m really impressed with the entries to this year’s competition and am delighted that the children's entries wanted particularly to celebrate women this time.

"The Delia Derbyshire soundscape is a very fitting overall winner, helping to highlight her childhood, education, her career with the BBC and her post-BBC work.

"It makes interesting use of audio and augmented reality to tell her story in an engaging way and we’re thrilled to be unveiling this tribute to a true pioneer and Coventrian."

The Hobbit star Andy Serkis said: "The creative way in which children have approached this competition, thinking deeply about their subjects and why they should be celebrated, is amazing.

"I’m also pleased that so many people engaged with the public vote and that we now have an incredible soundscape to display paying tribute to a wonderful sonic pioneer in Delia Derbyshire."