A DURHAM hospice has launched its annual fundraising sunflower appeal with a work of art.

St Cuthbert's Hospice is hoping to involve the communities of Durham and Chester-le-Street as much as possible in the venture.

To mark the launch of the appeal, a large collage of sunflowers is on display in Durham Cathedral.

The collage has been completed by primary school children from across the two areas.

Schools taking part in the art work project included Bowburn Junior, Busy Bees Day Nursery, Chester-le-Street CE Junior, Cheveley Park Primary, Durham Gilesgate Primary, Durham Trinity Primary, Esh Winning Primary, Finchale Primary, Newton Hall Infants, St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, St Hild's CE School and Ushaw Moor Primary.

Each child made a sunflower design and decorated it with materials and textures of their choice.

A spokesperson for the hospice said: "The hospice sunflower is the vision for the future set by the determination of the schoolchildren.''

She added: "The final display is a true primary masterpiece and our special thanks go to the children.''