Artists from all four corners of Herefordshire and beyond have put brush to card or ink to paper ahead of an online art auction for St Michael’s Hospice.

A total of 333 pieces of artwork have been entered into Postcards from Life, an annual fundraiser which to date has raised more than £22,000 for St Michael’s.

The work is currently showcased on the website of one of the event sponsors, Brightwells, with the bidding process starting on Monday, October 30.

As the title of the project suggests, every piece of art measures six by four inches, and is mounted and framed by Leominster-based picture framer, David Beswick.

"It’s an exciting time of the year for me and it really is a pleasure to do this," he said."I think the quality is astonishing. I just never know what is going to turn up."

This year’s work features an array of entries, from abstract art to depictions of wildlife, rural scenes and various locations in Herefordshire and further afield.

"It just goes to show what talented artists we have here," added David. "There’s certainly a thriving art scene. I’m just glad it raises money for the Hospice."

The work will be on display at the Bishop’s Palace in Hereford from November 10 to 12, with lots closing at various times between 12pm-6pm on Monday, November 13.

Alasdair Crawford, a St Michael’s Hospice volunteer, has bid for items since Postcards from Life first launched in 2015.

‘I was outbid last year unfortunately," he says, " But I bought four in the first year; two for myself and two as presents.

"Postcards is just before Christmas so they make lovely little gifts and I’m really looking forward to this year’s - it’s win-win. I get an unusual piece of art and St Michael’s, a place close to my heart, gets the money for it."

Paddy Nugent, the Hospice’s Community Fundraising Manager, encouraged would-be bidders to get browsing.

"We would invite everyone to take a look at this year’s entries and to bid generously right from the outset, safe in the knowledge that money from winning bids will go straight to St Michael’s Hospice," he said.

Last year, a total of 2,249 bids were cast, with online interest from as far away as Australia and the United States.

The top lot was One Cheetah, One Cherry by Jackie Morris which sold for £700 having attracted 19 bids.

Other notable lots included Charles McCarthy’s Damsons painting which went under the hammer for £300 – one of four paintings submitted by the artist, fetching a total of £535.

To view the artwork, visit http://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/postcards-from-life/ and follow the links.

Bidding begins on Monday, October 30.