AN auction featuring postcard-sized artwork has already raised thousands of pounds for a Herefordshire hospice.

Almost 250 miniature masterpieces have been donated by nationally acclaimed artists and talented amateurs.

The money raised will go to Bartestree-based St Michael's Hospice.

The online auction, which runs until Monday (23rd), has already seen dozens of hospice supporters bid on a range of images including a dramatic oil painting of the Black Mountains, a study of a dragonfly, a shepherd bottle-feeding his lambs in the snow, and a storybook-style painting of a hare.

Seventy-two-year-old Ann Kay, from Kington, who has been an inpatient at the hospice for the past three weeks, said: "Having a selection of the art exhibited in the hospice has been wonderful.

"It's been a joy to look at. I can't get out to go shopping, so the auction is perfect for helping to find Christmas presents for friends and family.

"There are so many brilliant original bits of art that I've taken all my visitors to have a look.

"I have been well cared for and having the work on show has been the icing on the cake."

Hospice patient care coordinator and contributing artist, Jane Spink, said: "I have just taken up painting again after a long break, and I thought it would be a great way for me to give something back to the hospice and I'm thrilled that my artwork has been selected to be exhibited next to a wonderful collection of quality art."

All the artwork can be viewed by visiting hospice website or visiting the Postcards from Life Exhibition at Hellens Manor in Much Marcle.

Viewing days are from tomorrow (20th) until Sunday (22nd) between 10am - 5pm. Entry is free.