A woman whose husband was cared for in a 'first-class hospital with wonderful staff' has provided the facility with a colourful legacy following his death.

When 80-year-old Derek Ingold passed away following a stroke in August last year his widow Barbara decided she would like to honour his memory and thank the staff who cared for him at All Hallows Hospital in Ditchingham.

But rather than donating funds to buy a piece of equipment or pay for building repairs she decided she would like to purchase something that could be enjoyed by everyone.

As her husband had been keen on art work she spent about six weeks visiting local art shops and amassed a collection of about 70 original paintings and prints by local artists.

These have now been donated to the hospital and have transformed the corridors and rooms.

The pictures are mostly of local themes and include landscapes, the seaside and animals.

Mrs Ingold, 59, from Mettingham, near Bungay, said: 'The hospital is really first-class, not just for the patients but for the families as well.

'My husband stayed here on several occasions and I knew when he came here he would be looked after and have the best care.

'The staff are wonderful. They looked after me and greeted me like a member of the family.

'This is a lovely place and it is vital for local people. I do not know what I would have done without All Hallows Hospital and the people here. I would have been lost.'

Mrs Ingold said she thought her late husband would have liked the idea of donating the pictures.

'Just one day it came to me,' she said. 'I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Derek liked art work and it was something I know he would have been happy for me to donate.

'It was something everybody could benefit from including patients, staff, family and carers.

'I asked for family and friends to give donations instead of flowers and I put in a large donation.'

She added: 'I know the hospital is always looking for donations and volunteers.'

Donna Oakins, the hospital's marketing and fundraising co-ordinator, said that all the old pictures that hung in the hospital have been kept.

Together with the new ones they have been repositioned with help from Michelle Payne from The Upstairs Gallery in Beccles, who donated her time for free.

Mrs Ingold's friend Susie Brooke helped to frame the pictures and Kevin Brown, from the hospital's maintenance team, hung them. Mrs Oakins said: 'It has transformed the hospital and I think they are lovely.'