TAVISTOCK auctioneer Robin Fenner will bring his ivory gavel down on an impressive collection of works by top West Country artists at a charity event aimed at raising funds for St Luke's Hospice.

The Grand Art Auction will take place at Tavistock Town Hall on Thursday, December 11, and will feature almost 100 paintings, sculptures and pottery with a total value of more than £20,000.

While the majority of the works are originals there is also a selection of limited edition prints and etchings — including items from celebrated artists in the region such as Robert Lenkiewicz and David Young. Prince Charles has agreed to give a lithograph, one of only 20 limited edition artist's proofs.

One of the country's finest wildlife and angling artists, Robin Armstrong from Milton Combe, has given 'The Countryman' in memory of a close friend who died of cancer.

Among Devon artists who have donated original works are Lee Woods, Simon Drew and Brian Pollard and Cornish artists include John Bampfield, Ken Symonds and Sophie Harding.

December brings to a close a special year for St Luke's — having been set up 21 years ago, it has been celebrating its coming of age with an ambitious programme of fundraising events.

Robin Fenner, marking 35 years as an auctioneer in December, said this was the first time he will have conducted such a fine array of contemporary West Country art.

'While I have enjoyed a career of 35 years offering art from the antique to the Edwardian European Schools, this will be my debut sale of art from the modern era which has more recently been regarded as a viable means of investment,' he said.

Robin is donating a picture from his private collection to the auction. 'It is 'Shopping in Tavistock' by Plymouth artist Liz Jones and is a really "fun" picture,' he said.

If anyone would like to help St Luke's by considering donating an item for the sale both Robin and St Luke's community fundraiser Caroline Blackler would love to hear from them.

All money raised will go to St Luke's Hospice. Viewings of the art works are on Wednesday, December 10 and during the day of the sale on Thursday, December 11. The auction is at 7.30pm.