Beautiful hand decorated bags are set to be auctioned off tonight for charity.

In a project coordinated by Kent Coast Volunteering, more than 70 blank canvas bags have been transformed into works of art by volunteers, supporters and members of the Thanet Good Neighbours Service.

The befriending scheme matches the most isolated older people in the area with volunteers, who visit once a week for a cup of tea and a chat and to help with shopping and dog walking.

Kickstarted by Thanet Rotary Club, the decoration project, aptly named Give A Bag Some Life, has seen dozens of bags covered by everything from painted bird and seascapes to crochet poppies and patchwork beach huts.

Having been exhibited at various art galleries and public spaces across the district, the bags will tonight be auctioned to raise much-needed funds.

Rebecca Bullivant, service coordinator, said: "We started handing our blank canvas bags to our members to decorate and the project became so popular that we quickly had to find more.

"They were snapped up by people of all ages and abilities eager to get creative on behalf of the Good Neighbours Service.
"We hope people will come to the auction."

All fund raised tonight will go towards the Good Neighbouring Service.

Volunteer Jackie Collins said: "What we do is so important. People are living longer, and I feel our befriending service allows people to keep their dignity, but we are there if anything starts to go wrong or they don't seem to be coping."

The auction will take place at 7pm at the Comfort Inn, Ramsgate.