An 11-year old Sidmouth boy is using his artistic talent to raise money for the local food bank during the coronavirus crisis.

Sidmouth Herald: Self-portrait. Picture: Edward RolesSelf-portrait. Picture: Edward Roles (Image: Edward Roles)

Edward Roles is drawing people’s portraits in his own distinctive style, based on photographs, using a digital illustration app on his iPad called Procreate.

He asks for a small donation in exchange for his artwork, and initially aimed to raise £200.

However, on his first day of work he managed to raise £100 and soon exceeded his target.

His mother Amy Roles said: “Edward completed a picture of himself and said he was really enjoying drawing pictures on the iPad, as it was different from his normal pencils and paints.

Sidmouth Herald: One of the photos Edward received. Picture: Supplied by subjectOne of the photos Edward received. Picture: Supplied by subject (Image: Supplied by subject)

“He asked me if perhaps he could draw people’s portraits and donate any money to help with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Myself and my husband had a look at some local charities and he decided he would want to donate to Sid Valley Food Bank, which is exactly what we will do.”

The photos Edward works from are sent to his mother’s Facebook page. He posts his creations on Facebook, and people can print them off or have them made into canvas prints.

Among the comments people have made on Facebook are: “He is so talented.”

Sidmouth Herald: The picture Edward created. Picture: Edward RolesThe picture Edward created. Picture: Edward Roles (Image: Edward Roles)

“I love it, thank you so much Edward. I will make this my new screensaver. Well done for hitting your target, you should feel very proud.”

“Ed this is amazing!!!! You little super star.”

“What a great Idea.”

“So lovely you have such a talented son”

Sidmouth Herald: Photo of a dog sent to Edward. Picture: Supplied by dog ownerPhoto of a dog sent to Edward. Picture: Supplied by dog owner (Image: Supplied by dog owner)

“Tell Edward we are so, so pleased, he has done a super job.”

Mrs Roles said: “He feels it’s really lifting people’s spirits.

“It has put a smile on many people’s faces during this very difficult time, and it will also help the most vulnerable people of our local community.

“Edward has been inundated with pictures but he keeps going every day, knowing it’s all going to help.”

Sidmouth Herald: Picture of the dog Picture: Edward RolesPicture of the dog Picture: Edward Roles (Image: Edward Roles)

The co-ordinator of the food bank, Andie Milne, said: “What a fantastic thing for someone so young , using his talents to help those less fortunate than himself.

“Hopefully when the crisis is over we will be able to thank him in person.”

Anyone interested in buying one of Edward’s artworks should contact Amy Roles through Facebook.

Sidmouth Herald: Headless Ed, a piece of art by Edward. Picture: Edward RolesHeadless Ed, a piece of art by Edward. Picture: Edward Roles (Image: Edward Roles)