June Porter (86), who lived in Robin Hood’s Bay, died on 27 January this year in Whitby Hospital’s Heather Ward, which cares for the terminally ill.

Her sons, Andrew Burbidge and Patrick Porter, purchased the two paintings by Cornish artist Stephen Lee from a Whitby gallery from money donated by mourners at her funeral and they were presented recently to staff at the hospital.

Mrs Porter had lived with Andrew and his family in Robin Hood’s Bay when her husband passed away. She became ill and was taken to Scarborough Hospital before being brought back to Whitby.

Although she spent just 22 hours in the Heather Ward Mr Burbidge said she received “exceptional care” before she died later that day.

“The staff in the Heather Ward looked after my mother incredibly well and they couldn’t have done more," he said.

“My brother and my youngest daughter were with me throughout her stay and the staff went out of their way to look after us all at a difficult time.”

Mr Burbidge wanted to improve the appearance of the Chapel of Rest and asked the staff on the ward what he could do.

When they suggested a painting, Mr Burbidge chose scenes of the beach to commemorate his mother who loved the countryside and the sea.

The brothers also used money donated at the funeral to buy a silk flower arrangement to sit in between the two paintings on a table.

Senior sister on the Heather Unit, Sarah Locker said: "The paintings and flower arrangement make the chapel look so much more homely.

“We are very grateful to receive the donation and much appreciate the efforts of both Andrew and his brother Patrick.”