A SIDMOUTH artist got a surprise last week when her work was spotted on a hit ITV soap watched by millions.

A SIDMOUTH artist got a surprise last week when her work was spotted on a hit ITV soap watched by millions.

Shelley Newton, 40, of Peaslands Road isn't a keen television fan but tuned into Emmerdale Farm when an excited soap-fan friend of hers spotted several of her paintings adorning two sets in the programme.

Shelley, who paints under the pseudonym Laurie Maitland, has sold prints of her work around the world but was surprised to see Emmerdale locations including Home Farm and the penthouse apartment of a character in Leeds sporting the paintings.

She said: "I wasn't ever expecting to see my work on a soap opera, I think its quite amazing really.

"A friend of mine range me up to tell me they'd seen it and two days later I got a call from my ex-husband who was sitting with his mum watching the programme and had spotted them (paintings).

I'm still trying to decide whether its cool or not! They are in the posh house and a millionaire's apartment so I think I'm ok with it."

Having raised around �500 for the NSPCC at her 40th birthday bash last month, Shelley now wants to use her art to generate more cash for a water aid charity with a silent auction on Wednesday (June 10).

The event will take place at her home, 38 Peaslands Road, from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday.

Anyone interested in attending can get a sneak preview of some of the pieces that will be up for sale at www.lauriemaitland.com.