Dame Judi Dench has painted a piece of art to fundraise for a hospice.

St Catherine’s Hospice in Pease Pottage, near Crawley, is in the midst of a funding crisis, recently announcing that it will have to cut 40 jobs and make £1 million in savings to survive.

The renowned actor, who starred in multiple Bond films among many others, has created a watercolour landscape of Wester Ross in Scotland to help raise money for the struggling hospice.

Limited edition prints have been made from the piece and are being hand-signed by Dame Judi herself.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be selling prints of my watercolour painting Early Sunset Wester Ross to support St Catherine’s.

“All the money raised from these limited-edition prints will help provide care for local people who need the hospice.

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“I hope the beauty of this Scottish landscape, that I was inspired to paint, will capture many of your hearts too.”

Angie Challis, chairwoman of Burstow Friends Group which supports the hospice, said: “Judi is a long-term supporter of the Burstow fundraising group and our events.

“We were delighted when she offered us this painting to raise funds for the hospice.

“It’s been a joy to work with her on this exciting project and we are hugely grateful for her involvement in bringing these beautiful prints to fruition.”

Last month, the hospice reported that more than 77 per cent of its current costs are spent on staffing.

It said ward in-patient care will not be reduced at its 12-bed facility. The hospice has capacity for 24 beds, but is not able to operate them all due to lack of funding.

The funding crisis is part of a national picture as reported by charity Hospice UK, which said the hospice sector is facing a deficit of around £60 million this financial year.

The hospice provides services for around 2,500 people in wards, care facilities or at home.

The prints are being sold for £150 each. They can be purchased from Burstow Friends at StCatsBurstowGroup@gmail.com.