MORE than �1,100 has been given to Hospiscare by Newton Poppleford Art Society from proceeds at its 13th annual exhibition.

MORE than �1,100 has been given to Hospiscare by Newton Poppleford Art Society from proceeds at its 13th annual exhibition.

Chairman Roger Boud presented the cheque to Allison Palfrey, director of fundraising for Hospiscare.

As well as giving �1,137.50 to Hospiscare, the sale of paintings by the society's artists exceeded all previous records.

Money for the cancer charity was raised through a Happy Holiday's prize draw during the show, held at Newton Poppleford Primary School between July 29 and August 5.

Secretary Colin Baines, who was delighted at the amount raised for Hospiscare, said 51 of the society's 90 members displayed paintings.

Winner of the first prize in the Happy Holiday draw was Exmouth artist John Cowlishaw.

He wins a week's holiday in the Lake District, donated by Seasons Holidays plc.

Second prize of two nights at Hope Cove Hotel was won by Sue Dollimore from Morpeth in Northumberland and third prize of a night at the Royal Beacon Hotel in Exmouth was won by society member Diana Swainson.

Sidbury artist Janice Faulkner, who runs a bed and breakfast at Harvest Cottage, had her picture, 40 Winks chosen by visitors to the exhibition as their favourite picture depicting a happy holiday.

Commenting on the overall success of the exhibition, against all trends, Mr Boud said: "I put a lot of it down to the fact that although we raised our entrance fee, we offered free tea and coffee to any visitors who wanted it, and lots of them were very happy to sit and have a longer look at the pictures while they enjoyed something free for a change!