An artist from Egremont has auctioned off his paintings for multiple worthy causes.

Amateur artist Tom Higgins, who started painting and drawing in retirement, has supported Hospice at Home, the North Lakes Foodbank and the scrubs appeal that benefits NHS staff on the frontline of the coronavirus battle.

Mr Higgins said: “I started drawing when I was 61 years old and decided to try painting a couple of years later.

“I have never had an art lesson since I was 12 years of age.”

But Mr Higgins’ artwork was quickly in demand when he put them up for auction via Facebook.

His first auction earlier this month of the Making Waves In Moonlight painting raised a total of £200, made up of a £130 highest bid and donations amounting to £70.

The £200 from the first auction has been donated to the Scrub Hub North West and Cumbria charity which is equipping doctors and nurses with work clothing, supporting them in their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “My daughter works in the health service and that’s the big issue at the moment, its protection gear."

A second painting was auctioned this week with £130 from the highest bidder, but nine donations took the total up to £400.

These funds will be donated to the North Lakes Foodbank which is struggling through the pandemic with many members of the public unable to leave their homes to donate food.

Mr Higgins, who is also a member of Egremont Town Council and Copeland Borough Council, said: “The foodbank is facing an ongoing battle.

A bidder who missed out on the first painting has commissioned Mr Higgins to paint one like it. The £200 for this sunset scene will be given to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

Mr Higgins said: “I’ve been given some money by a lady for a painting I haven’t done yet. She said ‘can you do another like that?’”

He chose Hospice at Home West Cumbria as he recognised it as a vital cause: “They rely on donations. I thought ‘they’re doing a lot of good’.”