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 art programme will see a range of artists working on designs to brighten 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 three courtyards.

Mike Galloway, consultant haematologist, said the aim was to create a relaxing, non-clinical 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 day unit for the elderly.

He consulted patients before finishing his design - 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 water feature in stainless steel will be in the courtyard through to the x-ray department.

Anyone wanting to support the art appeal should contact (01388) 454000