AN AUCTION of donated art in Chagford concluded an exhibition in the name of peace last weekend.

Chagford Peace Group was inspired by the plight of the Iraqi people to organise a ten-day charity exhibition of more than 80 artists? work, which started with a concert and culminated with the successful auctioning of some of the art, at the Chagford Barns.

The works of art were on sale throughout the exhibition and any unsold pieces went under the hammer, with auctioneer Tim Garrett of Rendells, on Saturday night.

Sales topped £4,800, which will be split between the British Red Cross and UNICEF to help their work in Iraq.

The charity concert, held on August 2, opened with a powerful speech by David Halpin, a local surgeon who spent almost £100,000 of his own money to travel to Palestine and help families in Gaza with food and medical aid ? he has set up the Dolphin and Dove Charity for Palestine.

The event featured master sitar player Ricky Romain and Jon Stercks on the tabla and £700 was donated to the Dolphin and Dove Charity.

A mandala with messages of peace and prayers for the world has been created by the exhibition?s organisers, contributors and visitors.

Kristin Charlesworth, a member of the group and one of the organisers, said: ?We had a fantastic response, people have been very moved by the works.

?It has been a very powerful experience, a lot of work was put in and there was a lot of reward in terms of being able to send something to Iraq.

?We would like to thank all the artists, helpers and visitors for the generosity of all those who donated money and brought work, and to Lady Ann Hayter-Hames who donated her barns and courtyard for the

exhibition, concert and auction.?

Anyone interested in making further donations to the charities can send cheques made payable to either ?The British Red Cross?, ?UNICEF? or ?The Dolphin and Dove Charity? to Kristin Charlesworth, Little Burrows, Shilstone Lane, Throwleigh, EX20 2HX.