A PIECE of Indian artwork has been constructed in the entrance hallway of a County Durham Museum ahead of a new exhibition.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, raised £2,000 through a fundraising campaign with just hours to go to create a traditional Hindu welcome and symbol of good luck - a two-and-a-half metre wide Rangoli pattern on the floor of the Museum’s reception hall.

The artwork will complement the museum’s upcoming exhibition From Temple to Home: Celebrating Ganesha, will which feature in the museum from May 21 until September 18.

The piece of Indian art is being made using pulses, beans and coloured rice, designed and created by artist Raj Rani.

As one of the rewards for making a pledge, donors also helped her create the pattern on May 17 and 18, along with her son, Rahul Khosla.

It feature’s the head of the Hindu elephant deity, Ganesha, as well as India’s national flower, the Lotus flower, and the national bird: the peacock.

The finished Rangoli will welcome visitors to The Bowes Museum from tomorrow, May 19, until Sunday, May 22.

Speaking about the project, Mrs Rani, said: “I’m very pleased with the work and especially want to thank all the backers and volunteers who are helping me.

“We have had some lovely feedback and everybody loves it; it’s a wonderful experience.”