More than £20k has been raised for a hospice in Aylesford after its first online auction of local art received bids from as far as 5,000 miles away.

The Art of Kent Auction for the Heart of Kent Hospice saw paintings, ceramics, sculptures and jewellery donated by artists with links to the county go under the virtual hammer.

During the three day event between October 16 to 18, 738 individual bids were made, some from as far as St Lucia, Canada, Ireland, Germany and even in Japan, more than 5,800 miles away.

Some 81 lots were up for grabs including an original etching of the 'The County Town' by Kent artist and best selling printmaker Graham Clarke.

Jack Frame based in the Creative Quarter of Folkestone also donated two pieces.

The final hour of the auction was a hive of activity, as bidders vied to get their hands on items including a signed guitar from Queen legend Brian May.

It proved such as success they more than doubled the target of £10k reaching exactly £20,695, which will go toward their work supporting terminally ill patients and their families

Karen Newton-Anker the Hospice’s Community Partnerships Fundraiser said: “We are delighted that the auction has raised £20,695 for the Hospice (including sponsorship).

"The whole weekend was brilliant – we had a lot of fun on social media, making sure everyone knew about the range of artwork available to bid on.

“The auction would not have been possible without the generosity of our local Kentish artists who kindly donated their pieces of work.

Thank you to Camellia PLC for sponsoring this new event and our auction provider Bid-In Group.

"Finally thank you to everyone who bid, we hope the winners enjoy their new special pieces of artwork.”

The online auction was such a success, the hospice has already planned its next.

From 7pm on Friday, November 13, to 10pm Sunday, November 15, homemade Christmas gifts and treats will be auctioned virtually.

To find out more visit click here.

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