FLYING animals, balloons, and 'Cats in Space' now grace the walls of the Royal Berkshire Hospital as an artist moves to improve children's time in hospital.

Pupils from Reading College, with the help of local artist David Cotton transformed the wall of a general x-ray room, often used by children, into a piece of artwork entitled 'Cats in Space.'

The entire suite of paediatric radiology rooms at the hospital will be decorated with colourful murals including balloons and flying animals and an enchanted forest.

Rooms to be decorated include the paediatric radiology room in the emergency department and the main x-ray department.

Mr Cotton, a member of the Reading Guild of Artists, said: “Still being a child at heart it really wasn't too difficult to come up with a design.

“I wanted to create something that would cross all boundaries and balloons are loved by most people.

“I thought the bright colours, numbers and flying animals would make a perfect focal point for the nurses to engage the children, diverting their attention during the x-ray process.”

Mathew Graham, lead radiographer, said: “The illustrations and artwork completed so far have transformed the rooms and are a fabulous distraction for the children.

“Reading College are now adding the finishing touched to another room in the main x-ray department, an immersive enchanted forest theme.

"The students have worked so hard, we cannot thank them enough."