A CHARITY shop in York is urging local artists to donate their work for display and sale.

The Arthritis Research UK shop, in Colliergate, has brightened up its walls with works from local artists, in an effort to raise extra funding for the charity, as well as promoting local talent.

Dan Barber, shop manager, said he hoped the new scheme would help raise the profile of contributors, as well as improving the environment in the shop.

He said: “Basically, I was unhappy with the shop having bare walls and knew there were a lot of artists in York looking for public places to display their art. So we offered to offer the space for artists to sell in and ask for 20 per cent commission on any sales.”

“I thought the subsequent publicity and interest would help raise the profile of our bookshop, which many York residents are unaware of, and our need for book donations, and there is also the fact that artists rely on the dexterity in their hands, which arthritis can take away.”

To find out more about donating work to the shop, phone 0300 7900400 or email York.Shop@arthritisresearchuk.org