A COMMUNITY minded artist has donated a painting of one of the region’s celebrated views in a bid to help improve a Darlington park.

Council worker Roger Birchall, whose paintings sell for about £400 in galleries, has donated one of his works as the main prize in a raffle run by Friends of North Lodge Park.

The proceeds from the raffle will help to improve and restore the Gladstone Street park as part of a long-term project by the community group.

The oil painting, which is measures 19in by 15in, depicts the view of a stretch of water between Bamburgh beach and the Farne Islands. The water, which is called Inner Sound, gives its name to the painting.

Mr Birchall, who works in the adult services department in North Lodge house, said: "As a relative newcomer to the area I have been amazed at the beaches in the region.

“I think Bamburgh is one of my favourites because it has such variety, with the dunes as well as the sand and rocks. I have tried to capture some of the pleasure that one particular day gave me, with this wonderful formation of rocks and the view out to sea".

The painting will be on display in several locations in the coming weeks, including the indoor market on Friday and Friday, May 22 and a stall at the outdoor market on Monday, June 8.

Tickets are available from Mr Birchall in Central House and Gena Birchall at the town hall, as well as Friends of North Lodge Park.

Second prize in the raffle is a signed print of another of his paintings, Fremmington Edge. The draw takes place on Sunday, June 14, in North Lodge Park, Darlington.