A COLLECTION of paintings by a well-known Dorset artist have gone under the hammer for thousands of pounds.

The collection of 11 paintings by artist James Fry, who was from Purbeck and died in 1985, have sold for more than £3,000 at auction at Cottees.

Fry lived at his studio in Corfe Castle and was a prolific painter, mainly in oils on board.

He was known for often travelling around the area on his bicycle painting numerous scenes of heathland, cliffs and the sea.

In recent years his works have become more and more sought after and at Cottees of Wareham prices for his work have risen enormously.

John Condie of Cottees said: "Of all the local artists that we sell, James Fry's works command huge interest."

The eleven paintings sold for a combined total of £3,700 with a top price of £640 for a large seascape set in sunlight.

John said: "I would be interested in hearing from anyone with James Fry paintings who would like to sell them.

"After he died Cottees sold many of his paintings, especially unframed examples, for quite small amounts.

"Anyone who bought these in the late 1980s could now be sitting on a nice little nest egg."