A CHARITY that helps organisations keep art in the UK has stepped in to try to save the Zurbaran paintings for the region.

The Art Fund, which campaigns and raises money for galleries, has voiced fears about the possibility of the £15m Auckland Castle treasures being sold by the Church Commissioners.

Representatives are in the region to try to broker a deal ahead of a visit from First Church Estates Commissioner Andreas Whittam Smith next week.

An Art Fund spokesman said: “We are extremely concerned about the future of these magnificent paintings and are talking to all interested parties to see if we can find a solution that works for everyone.”

The commissioners’ secretary, Andrew Brown, was also in talks with church leaders and interested groups in Durham City and Bishop Auckland yesterday.

A petition to keep the paintings in Auckland Castle was launched this month after a secret plan to sell them was revealed by The Northern Echo.

Bishop Auckland Civic Society chairman Dr Bob McManners has set up an action group to keep the 18th Century paintings in the town.

It includes representatives from Durham University, Bowes Museum, English Heritage, Durham County Council, former castle trustees, and members of the clergy and Church of England Synod.

The group has written to the Church Commissioners to request it is included in discussions.

Dr McManners said: “I would applaud the Art Fund as they have taken a very sensible position, and that is what our group is trying to do as well.

“We are trying to open dialogue with the Church Commissioners and find a solution.”

Mr Whittam Smith has said it was “overwhelmingly likely” the paintings would be sold.

The 13 artworks by Francisco de Zurbaran depict Jacob and his 12 sons and have been kept at Auckland Castle for 260 years.

Dr McManners said support for the campaign to keep the paintings was growing rapidly.

He said: “The paintings are a very significant part of not only our local heritage, but our national heritage. The support is overwhelming and we are aware of new factions and bodies coming on board all the time.”

People can sign a petition against the paintings’ sale at The Northern Echo, 127 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.