NATURE'S mysterious mathematical beauty was explored by St. Ambrose College scholars in a new competition linking Mathematics and Art.

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 were asked to examine and then portray the relationship between Maths and Art by Ms. Laurie-Ann Donegan, who teaches both subjects at the Catholic Grammar School in Hale Barns.

Top of the list was the Fibonacci sequence in which each number is the sum of the previous two, a formula which produces wonderful ever increasing spiral patterns in nature.

George Donne, 12, from Sale captured this phenomenon with his beautifully crafted crayon drawing of a fossilised shell, perfectly demonstrating the sequence.

Ms Donegan said: “The Fibonacci sequence is seen in the formation of flowers and seeds, indeed across the natural world, which often displays its own perfect symmetry.

"It’s not for me to explain the work of God but it is important to recognise the mathematical precision and resulting beauty in the world around us.”

George, who received a goody bag with art and maths materials, said: “I was bought this shell from a gift shop many years ago and have always been fascinated by its perfect spiral.

"When the competition was announced I knew I had the ideal subject.”