Library bench to honour Attenborough turning 100
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Naj Modak
North East and Cumbria
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Library manager Suzy Hill (left) is encouraging the public to visit and see Lisa House's (right) artwork on the bench
An artist said she was "over the moon" to be asked to hand-paint a bench in celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday.
The book bench was commissioned by Darlington Libraries to celebrate the veteran broadcaster's lifelong contribution to environmental awareness and conservation.
Lisa House, from Darlington, said: "I have grown up listening to him and watching him on TV - I think it [the bench] is a lovely idea."
The book bench features a portrait of Sir David, who will turn 100 on Friday, alongside images of British wildlife such as foxes, hares and birds.
House, 52, said she painted a different bench in Cockerton last year and was "excited" to be asked to work on the project.
"The brief had a lot of animals in it, I usually paint landscapes and still lifes with animals in them - it fit in quite nicely," she said.
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The bench will be installed outside Cockerton library in Darlington
The bench is being worked on in Darlington library's art gallery, which is encouraging the public to visit and see the progress.
Once finished, it will be installed outside Cockerton library.
House said: "On the back, I've got his profile surrounded by trees, birds and butterflies with a quote.
"The hardest part was the portrait as I'm not a portrait painter but I've done my best.
"I've just really enjoyed doing it and working with the library, it's been a lovely experience."
On Friday, the BBC will host a live event from 20:30 BST on BBC One and iPlayer, honouring Attenborough's groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling.
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Darlington Borough Council
Darlington
David Attenborough