Celebrities show artistic streak

Ruby Wax has joined other celebrities for the art sale

Ruby Wax and Noel Edmonds are among those taking part in a celebrity lucky dip art sale to raise money for a children's ward at an Essex hospital.

Photographer John Davies has asked celebrities and local children to draw a piece of artwork on a postcard, which will be shown at an exhibition in June.

Visitors can buy a postcard for £10 but will not know who drew it until they pay their money and read the back.

All funds will go to Colchester General Hospital children's ward.

The exhibition begins on 2 June at Mr Davies' studio in Headgate, Colchester.

Pencil drawings

He said: "Last year I did something similar in Battlesbridge and raised about £500 for the chemotherapy unit at Southend Hospital where my mother was being treated for breast cancer.

"This year I'm hoping to have about 100 postcards for sale which means I might be able to double that figure.

"I've had a really good response from celebrities and have been struck by how much effort they've put into their work."

Mr Davies said the celebrity artwork included landscapes done in watercolours, pencil drawings and abstract work.

Other celebrities he has heard from include Felicity Kendall and John Challis who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses.