ARTWORK by a former patient of a Dorchester hospice is going on sale after being donated by his family.

Edgar Stone Cook was a patient at the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust in Herringston Road in September 2011, but returned home where he died at the age of 83.

His son and daughter donated the artwork as a way of saying thank you for the dedication of the staff.

The paintings will now go on sale in an event at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester to raise money for the charity.

Sale organiser Grant Usmar said: “In speaking to the family I understand that he was very determined to be at home when he died and hospice staff helped ensure that this happened.

“He was a very focussed man, and it was these qualities that kept him going. He lived longer than doctors expected.”

Mr Stone Cook, who lived in Dorchester, took up painting as a hobby when he retired, inspired by his father, who was an artist.

He made a decision not to sell any of his work during his life as he always thought it could be improved.

His work features landscape scenes from the Dorset area and France, where he spent time on holiday.

As a keen sailor, boats and coastal scenes were also a favourite.

Around 140 paintings will be sold in aid of the hospice.

Mr Usmar said: “It is really nice to be able to hold an event like this, and I think there will be a lot of local interest because people will recognise the scenes.

“He took up painting from scratch when he retired after working as a surveyor with West Dorset District Council and I think he is remembered very fondly in the area.

“He was a member of the Dorchester Art Club and had his own studio.”

The sale will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 10am to 4pm at the Corn Exchange.

Books, cakes and stalls will also be available at the event.