A huge cross-stitch tapestry is being lovingly created by staff members past and present at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley.

Memories of the hospital are being captured to record and celebrate the contribution the hospital has made to Yorkshire.

The creation will be displayed in the new purpose-built hospital due to be completed by July 2004.

Clerical staff past and present along with members of hospital voluntary service groups have come together to take part in the art project which hopes to depict the journey from the old to the new hospital.

The cross-stitch volunteers are from most of the hospital departments including nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, clerical, WRVS and Ladies Hospital Group.

The group of volunteers felt it was important that designs conveyed the affection in which the old site was held whilst at the same time celebrate the benefits of moving to a new purpose-built hospital nearby.

The finished tapestry will measure 8ft by 4ft, containing 86 individual six-inch square panels.

Some of the images that will be recreated in cross-stitch have been collected from photographs, uniforms, illustrations and existing architecture that date back to when the building first opened as a workhouse.

Some of the tapestry ideas came from conversations with Otley residents who have recalled memories of the hospital and the original workhouse before it and also that part of the hospital was used during wartime by the German doctors to treat Prisoners of War.

Mona Wardale, project volunteer and former outpatient supervisor at Wharfedale Hospital said: "There are a lot of people with memories of the old hospital site - some were born here, had children here, worked here and it nice to be able to preserve the memories.

"We chose the cross stitch as we thought it was simple and effective as well as something we all enjoy as a hobby. It has proven to be a popular project as we have 21 panels now being stitched, but have many other volunteers waiting for their 'work' as more panels are being designed."

The project has been helped by Tonic, arts and environments programme for Leeds Teaching Hospital and has brought in professional local artist Susan Carr to help with the drawing and designing of each panel.

Susan worked alongside staff to incorporate elements of historical and architectural significance that had been identified in the research.

The panels depict gardens, uniform crests and badges from professional bodies involved in patient care and voluntary groups, architecture and workhouse inmates.

Gail Bolland, co-ordinator said: "Through involvement in creative arts such as cross stitch the group felt included in the development of the new build and have a sense of ownership about the new place of work.

"The project team would like to thank Spinning Jenny, Stephen Smith's, Skopos, Otley Town Council and Wharfedale Hospital Staff Fund Lottery for their support and donations."

The project does require funds for the project for display materials and lighting, anyone wishing to help should contact Gail Bolland on (0113) 3926568.