A large, colourful mosaic made by patients at St Leonard’s Hospice has been funded by a generous grant from the York Decorative and Fine Arts Society (DFAS).

The mosaic, which is 10 feet by 6 feet, was designed by the Hospice’s artist-in-residence Adi French and made in sections by patients in the hospice’s Day Care and by in-patients. It depicts a sea-shore scene with stylised waves, dolphins and birds.

Adi, who leaves the hospice this week to pursue her artistic career after 28 years at St Leonard’s, with the last 14 years in her current role, did two designs for patients to choose. As they liked both, she incorporated the two together in one scene.

Work in the mosaic was able to go ahead when York DFAS approached the Hospice’s occupational therapist, Lu Mason, to ask about a possible art project the group could fund.

On hearing of the mosaic, which brightens up the view from two of the Hospice’s in-patient beds that face into the building’s central courtyard, York DFAS offered £1000 to cover the costs.

Martyn Callaghan, chief executive of St Leonard’s, said: "We are very grateful to York DFAS for their generous funding of this project, which has given our patients great pleasure in making, and to Adi who over many years has provided such great artistic inspiration."