COLD, grey clinical corridors will have no place at the new Bishop Auckland General Hospital when building work is finished in early 2002.

A £70,000 programme will see a range of contemporary artists' work brightening up the building.

The project, which still needs £20,000, includes a glass sculpture at reception and works ranging from water features to stone sculptures in the hospital's three courtyards.

Mike Galloway, the hospital's consultant haematologist, said the aim was to create a relaxing environment, as seen at the chemotherapy unit where he treats leukaemia patients, in Tindale Crescent.

"It's a source of interest for people and it's also quite good for the staff as well, particularly when they're working with cancer patients," he said.

"All the artists working on the new designs are up-and-coming and for many it's the first commissions they've had. I think because they are contemporary designs, particularly the water feature, it will provoke quite a lot of comment."

David Paton, 30, is a Sunderland sculptor who is working on a stone folly for the courtyard opposite the elderly day unit.

He consulted patients before completing his design for a stone tower with four windows, called Apollo's Folly, after the god of healing and music.

"For them it seemed important to have something that was tactile and they could relate to," he said.

The courtyard next to the stroke unit will include a pebble mosaic, while a large water feature in stainless steel will be in the courtyard through to the x-ray department.

Anyone wanting to support the art appeal is asked to contact (01388) 454000.