This is how a Hartlepool artist is hoping to support good causes struggling during the coronavirus crisis

Malcolm Davies, who has been an for 50 years, has already received the backing of two fellow artists after setting up Art Against Coronavirus just a few days ago.

Now Malcom, who worked for Cleveland Police for 31 years, is auctioning of work and all of the profits will go to an array of charitable organisations in Hartlepool and the North East including Alice House Hospice, Butterwick Hospice, Zoe's Place and The Trussell Trust Foodbanks.

So far, the charitable online auction has raised £120 and Malcolm, who is lived in the town for 40 years, hopes to keep the momentum going.

The 61-year-old said: “The Government is stepping in to help those who are going to find themselves without an income.

“Organisations that rely on donations may struggle when people are already finding themselves short.

“Whilst I do appreciate that for some people at this time spending money on something such as artwork would not be a priority, so the intention is to try and source artwork from literally a few pounds and up.

“The hope is that as most people love artwork that the benefit for them would be obtaining such pieces at great prices and derive the pleasure from them in these dark times.”

Some artwork is being uploaded to sell immediately while other pieces are up for auction.

To find out more visit Malcolm’s Facebook page Art Against Coronavirus.