FOLLOWING on from the popularity of a community art wall set up in Penketh, residents have created more than 300 fabric hearts for patients at Warrington Hospital.

During lockdown, Melissa Mackay decided to brighten up the street with colourful artwork and encouraged others to leave their creations on her fence on Tannery Lane.

Due to its success, the high school art teacher decided to set the community a challenge.

Melissa said: "I made posters and put out a bag full of fabric and a collection box for fabric hearts for Warrington Hospital.

"The hearts are given to patients and to families as they can’t have any visitors.

"It’s a way of sending love and reminding them they’re not alone.

"I set a target of 100 fabric hearts and now we have had more than 300!

"People have sent me photos of their children making them as part of their home-schooling tasks.

"I’ve even had people asking can I pick them up as they are shielding and they have made loads to keep busy.

"I've made so many friends from doing this."

One of Melissa's friends who works at the hospital has been taking the hearts in for patients.

Warrington Hospital sent Melissa a thank you letter for her creative gesture and have decided to continue with the fabric heart campaign when the Covid-19 crisis is over.

Melissa added: "The lockdown has brought the best out in our community."