AN ARTIST will be selling gift cards, postcards and signed prints from his original paintings in aid of several of his chosen charities.

Colin Richardson of Spennymoor, County Durham, will display his work at Durham Town Hall from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, December 6.

The event has been organised by the Durham Elvet Rotary club.

Mr Richardson, 80, first demonstrated a talent for art at the age of 11, when he made Christmas cards for family and friends.

Since then, he has painted dozens of familiar scenes across the North-East in water colours, charcoal, ink, acrylic and oil paints.

Tom Sharples, chairman of Durham Elvet Rotary Club’s community vocational group, said “We as a club are delighted to help Colin to stage the exhibition because he is a very charitable person. Everything he is doing for the charities.

“I bought a painting off him and after speaking to him three hours decided we would help to make it happen.”

Mr Sharples added, Durham mayor Cllr John Robinson had agreed to the use of the hall as part of his coffee morning.

Proceeds will go to Sense, RSPCA, Donkey Trust, Great North Air Ambulance, Cancer Research and the Darlington Dogs Trust.