A HUGE ray of sunshine brightened the heart of Durham Cathedral yesterday.

The wraps came off a giant sunflower creation, depicting the cross of St Cuthbert. The cathedral was the final resting place for the early Northumbrian saint.

Measuring 25ft in diameter, the sunflower cross was created with contributions by more than 3,000 youngsters, aged from four to 11, from 27 schools.

The cross is made up of hundreds of sunflower heads, with a perimeter of tiny oak leaves, resembling the logo for St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham.

It was created as part of the National Hospice Sunflower Appeal, to raise awareness of the hospice movement nationwide. The cross will remain in bloom over the next week