Devoted critical care nurse is the inspiration for Burnley florist's unique creation that is raising cash for the NHS and Pendleside Hospice

Kathryn Beaver came up with idea to create 'Rainbow Jars of Joy' filled with colourful blooms for people to send to their friends and families during lockdown.

Working from her home in Ightenhill, mum of two Kathryn is usually busy creating wedding flowers, bouquets and flower themed gifts, but lockdown put a stop to all that.

So she decided to make something affordable that people could buy as a little token to give to their loved ones or leave on someone's doorstep to cheer them up.

And so far she has raised £200 for the NHS.

Kathryn was inspired by her sister in law Natalie Balmforth, who works as a sister on the critcal care unit at Salford Royal Hospital. She has moved out of the family for three months as both her husband John and daughter Polly (13) are at risk as they suffer from asthma.

Also mum to Joe (19) and seven-year-old Florence, the family are from Burnley but now live in Oldham. Natalie and several of her colleagues have been put up in apartments in Salford Quays while they carry out their life saving work.

Kathryn initially made 20 of the jars, filled with brightly coloured flowers including roses and tulips, and donated £2 for every one sold to the NHS.

But they were so popular that orders for more came flooding in and Kathryn has now made over 100 and still counting. After donating £200 to the NHS the florist of 29 years will now donate the next amount raised to Pendleside Hospice.

Kathryn said: "The jars have been really popular and this is my way of giving something back to organisations that mean a lot to me and my family."