Money from the sale of the Portland Square sundial in Sutton has been donated to John Eastwood Hospice.

A total of £1,250 was presented by Ashfield District Council and its contractors, helping to fund the Sutton hospice’s end-of-life care and bereavement services.

The donation came from the sale of scrap materials from the recently-removed sundial, as well as donations from local contractors Lindum Group, Melfort and Selmec.

The hospice is located just 1.2 miles from Portland Square and was chosen as a beneficiary to give back to the local community. The donation will help towards its annual running costs, which are more than £750,000.

Coun Tom Hollis, deputy leader of the council, said: “The removal of the sundial has allowed us to give something back to the community in a meaningful way. By donating funds made from its removal, we have been able to support John Eastwood Hospice with money that may not have been available before.

“This donation will help towards supporting the hospice and its crucial work.

“It also highlights our commitment to community spirit and sustainability, and is an expression of gratitude and appreciation for the significant work that the hospice does.”

The new-look Portland Square will feature two raised lawns with inbuilt seating and eight new, semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting.

Alongside the planters will be new street lighting, a new level paving, and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating. State of the art CCTV cameras will also be fitted.

Work is expected to be completed later this year.