AN empty unit in Halesowen’s Cornbow Shopping Centre is being used to showcase works of art to be auctioned and sold to raising money for charity.

Town artist Ann-Monique Stellinga has donated four paintings for a ‘silent auction’ to raise funds for the Kerala Partnership which helps poverty-stricken people in India.

Bidding starts at £50 for each one and the deadline for the written bids is March 6 with the paintings going to the highest bidders.

The award-winning artist is also offering four additional paintings for sale with 20 per cent of the sale price to be donated to the charity, set up by Halesowen husband and wife David and Jane Clarke 17 years ago.

Mrs Stellinga a retired Halesowen College history lecturer, has exhibited widely in the UK in open competitions, including at London’s Bankside Gallery.

She has been a long-time supporter of the charity, which has raised £200,000 for projects in the rural areas of Kerala, South India.

Bids for the mixed media, mainly landscape paintings can be made by texting 07939 037339 or emailing djmbclarke@blueyonder.co.uk