PHOTOGRAPHS on the walls of a hospital ward are providing uplifting moments for patients battling cancer.

The oncology day unit at Hexham General Hospital commissioned photographer Philip Benton to produce five canvases to provide some relief to patients and their families.

Mr Benton was told 30 years ago he would never work again when diagnosed with ME but, despite this, he battled through the illness and started his own photography business six years ago.

Oncology unit manager Fiona Holdsworth said: “They really suit the mood of the unit, and the message we are trying to get across is breaking down the barriers that hospitals are depressing.”