HOARDS of vintage toy cars have been unveiled as the most recent addition to the Oxford Children's Hospital after an appeal pulled in thousands of donations.

A mass collection of the dinky vehicles was pledged by the public to create a new piece of art in the children's radiology department at the John Radcliffe.

The colourful piece represents "a multitude of stories" to inspire poorly children and visitors to share their own stories.

Artist Athol Whitmore, of Sarah Wiseman's gallery, had the idea that each toy donation is "a memory, a childhood and a personal treasure".

Patient at the hospital Benjamin Goss, six, who goes to Aston and Cote primary school, donated cars of his own to put into the art project.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust arts adviser Ruth Charity said: "Patients, visitors and staff feel art works turn clinical spaces into welcoming, positive and engaging places to visit and work – which is so important when people are dealing with their deepest fears."

The art work was sponsored by designer outlet Bicester Village and supported by several local businesses.

Bicester Village spokeswoman Miranda Markham said: "There are very few people in the county who have not been touched by the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

"Bicester Village is delighted to sponsor this wonderful and unique project, which is already being warmly received by patients and visitors."