A COAT containing the dreams of 650 children has caught attention the world over.

A 'dreamcoat' made by schoolchildren as part of Sedbergh's Sheepfest event has received contributions from right across the UK, while organisers of a New Zealand art event have expressed interest in exhibiting it.

The coat, weaved by artist, Stevie Stewart, contains hundreds of coloured squares which youngsters sewed a seal envelope, containing their deepest wishes, into the back of.

Anne Pierson, chair of Farfield Mill, said it was 'extraordinary' how the coat caught the public imagination.

"It’s a beautiful object in itself," she said.

"But when visitors learn about the dreams – and can see and feel their shapes inside the lining crackling as they touch them and the tiny objects that the children added to the outside of their squares - they are genuinely moved by it."

She said woven squares have now been posted from as far away as Sussex, which are being turned into a scarf.

The coat could also be put on exhibition at 'WOW - The World of Wearable Art' in New Zealand.

The Sheepfest exhibition, including the coat, will be on display at Farfield Mill until November 2.