A NATIONALLY renowned work of art will be unveiled in Northallerton later this month.

The Madeira Millennium Tapestry goes on show at the town's Hambleton Forum a week on Monday.

Two days later it will move to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and later will be on display at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

The tapestry will spend six months of each year at the two hospitals.

The five embroidered panels, depicting the history of Britain over the past 1,000 years, were commissioned by Madeira Threads, of Thirsk, to celebrate the Year 2000.

The piece, which required 165 people to help with the intricate stitching, is now owned by Hambleton District Council and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust.

"It is important that these pieces come back to the district in which they were originally created," said the leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor June Imeson.

"We are working hard to enhance the arts in the district and through a partnership with the trust have secured these pieces for the local population.

"We hope they will inspire specialist art classes and occupational therapy opportunities in the hospitals."