A GIANT sunflower is in bloom in York Minster to mark Hospice Month.

Children from 13 primary schools and nurseries have been colouring 2,500 of the cut-out flower shapes, with the names of each organisation displayed in the centre of the sunflower.

It is the latest in a series of sunflower displays that have been held each year by St Leonard’s Hospice, with the first taking place in 1996 at the Eye of York.

This will be the fifth time the display has been at the Minster.

The sunflower is the symbol of the Hospice Movement as well as St Leonard’s and, since its 1985 opening, the hospice has traditionally used June as its month to boost its profile.

Other events are also taking place this month for the charity including the chance to tie a yellow ribbon on a tree in the Hospice grounds to honour a loved one or friend; a special Go Yellow Day on June 10, where local students will be encouraged to dress in yellow for school and the Midnight Walk on June 18. The hospice’s regular summer fair takes place on June 26.

Janet Morley, director of fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “York Minster is the perfect venue for our display of sunflowers.”

It will be on display on June 12.