Unusual artwork being displayed in a town's high street has sparked a reaction.

Two pieces of art - one showing a girl’s face with eyes dangling down from their sockets, and another depicting a beaten-up young woman - have been on display in the front window of a gallery as part of North Walsham’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) cultural programme. 

The artworks are in a shop unit next to the Shambles bar bistro in Market Place.

A spokesperson from North Norfolk District Council, which is overseeing the HAZ project, said the artworks were produced by high school students. 

The spokesperson said: “The HAZ Cultural Programme has lent the gallery to North Walsham High School to display students' artwork. 

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“The material was supplied and installed by the school and was produced by the children.

“The exhibition was opened to an audience of students, families and community organisations on March 3 to much acclaim on the day and we have had only appreciative feedback so far.

“However we will monitor the feedback we receive about the exhibition and pass it on to the school.”

But not everyone thinks the artworks are suitable for such public display. 

Joanna Brown, 42 and from North Walsham, passed the shop with her four-year-old daughter, Lorraine.

Ms Brown said: “She was very upset and started crying and ran away from the shop.

“It was very shocking seeing these paintings on a window so young children can see.”

The cultural programme is running alongside the £4 million transformation of the town centre, which is now mostly finished. 

A sign in the window of the shop says: “In this space we will be hosting a range of pop-up community arts and wellbeing projects over the next six months.

“We are also hosting a pop-up art gallery showcasing students’ work from Noth Walsham High School.”

The high school and the Enrich Learning Trust have also been contacted for comment.