AN aerial origami angel display has seen thousands of pounds raised for charity.

Hexham Abbey's 'On Angel Wings' installation has supported Tynedale Hospice at Home and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) through donations.

A cheque presentation was held at the Abbey with each charity receiving £3,175.

The installation, which symbolises lives affected by Covid and has dedications to loved ones, is due to be taken down on October 14. It includes 4,500 angels suspended 45 feet in the choirstalls; a further 2,000 form a colourful rainbow display - a symbol of the Covid pandemic.

They will now be composted with ten angels being sent to the Science Museum in London to form part of a larger display remembering Covid.

The installation, organised by the Abbey but funded by a Culture Recovery Grant, took six days to create with participation from schools, volunteers and Abbey Staff, as well as members of the public - some of which travelled across the country to visit.

Cath Newson, fundraising manager, said it was important to support local charities. She described the ambulance service as "air angels" and said the hospice helped the community to deal with bereavement.

It costs £40 for one minute of fuel for the air ambulance.