A CHARITY helping the homeless and needy will be at least £500 better off, thanks to an art exhibition and auction at the Teignmouth gallery of a son of the famous Plymouth-based artist Robert Lenkiewicz.

And the total amount raised could reach £1,500, said Reuben Lenkiewicz, who hosted the events at his gallery in the arts quarter.

He organised a ‘fun auction’ for one of his father’s restored palettes, along with works by local artists.

Robert was a committed supporter of ‘vagrants’ and others, and Reuben as a child would often go with him when he handed out sustenance on Christmas Day in the city.

The money will go to Homeless in Teignbridge Support (HITS), which runs a foodbank.

It was all part of a weekend of paintings, music and poems at the gallery, and the exhibition of works by local artists continues for another week.

‘The artists all live in Teignmouth and the surrounding areas having come here or born here but each are passionately inspired by the natural beauty of the area and its unique quality.

‘Although all of these artists are very different painters, musicians and poets they all seemed to draw inspiration from the beautiful landscapes surrounding the town,’ said Reuben.

This clearly shows how Teignmouth has become a draw for artists and a centre for the arts. The arts quarter is developing a buzz and confidence, with so many different things to offer Teignmouth visitors throughout the year, and the quarter is very much ready for the coming summer.’

The weekend started off with the local singer songwriter Glen Coggin, performing a new song written especially for the event on the theme of homelessness, Down But Not Out. He also played a number of songs which touch on homelessness such as The Streets Of London, and In The Ghetto.

David Cox, chairman of HITS, said: ‘We are delighted by the generous donation from Reuben and all the artists who took part. Homelessness, poverty and hunger are not going away, and every penny we receive goes on helping those who have fallen on hard times.’