Swindon schoolchildren have stamped their mark on an art installation by a globally-recognised name.

Brighton-based artist Gil Mualem Doron visited Lydiard Park Academy, Drove Primary School and Robert Le Kyng Primary School on Thursday to show pupils his ‘alternative’ take on the Union Jack.

Sewn from scraps of material donated or suggested by people born across the world, the flag is meant to represent all the diverse communities in the UK.

At specially-organised workshops in the three schools, artist Gil gave schoolchildren the chance to create their own flags.

“The pupils each get an A4 sheet of stickers with a textile design from various communities,” he said. “Then they’ll answer a set of questions – where are your ancestors from, what do you like to eat, where do you like to holiday.

“When they answer the question they add a sticker. So, if they like Barcelona Football Club they will put a Spanish sticker.”

Cathy Urquhart, head of media at Lydiard Park Academy, said: “The workshop raised really interesting ideas about national identity, inclusivity and belonging. They’re discussions which we will continue to develop and which are crucial to enable all young people to fully participate in our richly diverse multicultural society.”

The workshop was organised by Swindon City of Sanctuary and the Harbour Project as part of celebrations for Refugee Week, which runs until Sunday.

Former teacher Cristina Bennett, who now volunteers for Swindon City of Sanctuary and Harbour Project, said: “The experience enabled children to think about their connections with different parts of the world.

“It’s important because we realise that we are not in our own bubble and that our actions have an impact on others.”

On Wednesday evening artist Gil, who was born in London but lived much of his life in Israel, told an audience at Artsite’s Number Nine Gallery that the reaction to the flag – which he first created in the run up to the 2015 General Election – was generally positive.

“This flag is ever changing,” Gil said at the event, which was organised by Swindon City of Sanctuary and the Harbour Project for Refugee Week. “Every time I show it somebody comes to me and says: ‘the textiles from own country aren’t here – I’m adding it’."

He said that he had previously launched a petition to replace the ‘official’ Union Jack with his alternative version. “People were saying this flag is a lot less terrifying.”

However, the artist – whose pro-Palestinian views have seen him face pressure in his home-country of Israel – has also faced criticism.

“My campaign to change the flag was not always welcomed. Some said: ‘we like the Union Jack, it represents us.’”

Refugee Week continues until Sunday June 25. For more details, visit: swindon.cityofsanctuary.org/events/refugee-week.