AN artist from Mary Tavy has been commissioned to paint a beehive as part of a pollination project.

Laure Bury was one of five artists who were contacted by Tavistock dentist Andrew Brown and given a beehive each to add their own design and style of painting.

The brightly coloured and decorated beehives will be donated to the Eden Project in Cornwall — with the aim to draw the public's attention to the life and plight of Cornish black bees.

The B4 Project (Bringing Back Black Bees Project) was a progression from Andrew's local, organic, sustainable farming enterprise and beekeeping interest at his farm.

He discovered that at least 10,000 Queen bees were being imported yearly from all over the world, carrying their pathogens and viruses with them, while there are local bees which are suited to Cornwall's wet and windy environment.

Andrew and his friends decided to put their knowledge into the public arena by arranging for The Eden Project, Paignton Zoo, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Paradise Park in Hayle, to display and interpret their scientific data, by setting up display hives, and beekeeping demonstrations.

Laure, who is known for her landscapes, seascapes and large compositions with butterflies, said: 'I felt very fortunate to be invited to take part in this project.

'I have always loved the Eden Project and was so excited when they invited butterflies into the Rain Forest Biome.

'So many people desire to help the environment but don't really understand the importance of pollination.

'This new idea will help to teach young and old about the life cycle of butterflies and bees.'