Miniature works of art have found homes across Herefordshire and beyond following an online auction that's raised thousands for St Michael’s Hospice.

Postcards from Life attracted bids from as far afield as China as art lovers clamoured to get their hands on the 184 framed postcards created by some of the most talented artists in the region.

Just shy of 2,000 bids were placed during the three-week auction, with almost £6,500 raised for the Bartestree-based Hospice. A further £600 was collected from a raffle and donations following an exhibition of the work at Hereford’s Bishop’s Palace last weekend.

There was no brief for the artists, meaning they could produce whatever subject matter they wished, as long as it was postcard-sized.

Kingsland-based Charles MacCarthy submitted three pieces which sold for a total of £267.

"It’s a challenge as postcard-sized art is not easy to paint, so you have to step outside your comfort zone," he said. "But it’s a great project and one I love supporting."

The most successful lot, fetching £185, was Beryl Thompson’s ink on paper called ‘Now What’, depicting a pair of ducks wearing Wellington Boots.

Event director Gaynor Warren said: "We’re delighted the artists produced such an outstanding array of art, and so thankful to the community for bidding so generously.

"We are also incredibly grateful to Brightwells for putting on the online auction. As well as having a miniature masterpiece or two to enjoy, successful bidders can rest assured their generosity will go towards helping families in our community who are living with a terminal illness."