Artist Simon Wellington recently held an art gallery in a phone box in Seaton to raise money for local charities.

He worked with Seaton Town Council to renovate and repurpose the phone box in Seaton Hole so it could be used to display his artwork. 

It was painted, gold leafed and reglazed in a joint effort and Simon fitted it so he could sell art on an unmanned honesty basis for local charities.

The first one was Seaton Scout and Guide movement, which includes all the younger age groups.

As an artist, Simon has exhibited in Covent Garden, The Mall Gallery in London, Southampton Art Gallery and more recently held a one-man show in the Chapter House at Wells Cathedral.

From the last exhibition, there were plenty of prints and cards left over that were commissioned by the cathedral for the shop there.

Simon Wellington said: "The majority of the pictures and cards in the phonebox are from the show and augmented with more recent prints printed professionally on a giclee printer at his own expense.

"All the prints are personally signed and priced at less than a third of the original prices at between £10-£20."

Simon has published a fully illustrated book which is selling so well that there are only a few copies left in the phonebox.

With the help of Jurassic Bites Cafe opposite the phone box, he has been able to hand over a cheque for £500 to Linda Carter, from Seaton Brownies.

 This has all been collected with cash payments to the cafe and online via BACS by people buying artwork, cards and books on an honesty basis.

Simon added: "I would like to say a special thank you to Seaton Town Council, Jurassic Bites Cafe and those who bought prints, cards and books as well as Linda Carter from the local Brownies and Paul Johns from Seaton Town Council."