MEMBERS of a Darlington art class have been painting portraits of NHS workers.

The artists, who attend a weekly class at the Bridge Centre for Visual Arts, have completed more than 20 portraits of people working at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Joanne Pickering, who teaches the class, decided to get involved in the national NHS portrait project to show appreciation for frontline workers, including her sister Katy Gofton, who works in the ICU there.

Using photographs, the painters have been completing the portraits which, when finished, are given as a gift to the workers.

She said: "Our classes have been suspended and because a lot of people who come are older adults I thought it could be a bit of a project in lockdown.

"Everyone thought it was a really good idea and they were all keen to get involved. I think it's good for the staff, it gives them a bit of a boost."

The artist also teaches at All Saints Academy in Ingleby Barwick, where pupils have also joined in.

Their work has been given to the hospital to hang in their coffee room wall.

To find out more about the campaign, follow #portraitsfornhsheroes on social media.